Cotto Margarito Fight

The World Boxing Association welterweight title was on the line when Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito faced each other at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 26, 2008, at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Miguel Cotto was the defending WBA welterweight champion. Margarito vacated his International Boxing Federation welterweight title rather than face a mandatory challenger and in order to face Cotto.¹ The fight was considered one of the most highly anticipated fights of 2008 by ESPN writer Eric Raskin.²

Margarito won the fight in the 11th round by TKO.²

Fast Facts

1. Promotional Title: "The Battle"
2. Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Date: July 26, 2008
4. Time: 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT
5. Airs: HBO Pay-Per-View
6. Price: $49.95
7. Miguel Cotto's record: 32 wins, 26 knockouts
8. Antonio Margarito's record: 36 wins, 5 losses, 26 knockouts

Cotto Margarito Fight Quotes

"I told my corner I would wear him down and then knock him out," said Margarito, who won his third welterweight belt. "He never hurt me, but that was the game plan, to come out early strong and to wear him down and knock him out. I got him with body shots, and then I hit him in the head, and then I knocked him out."—Antonio Margarito²

"I am very proud and very happy I was able to give the fans a great fight," Cotto said. "Life continues. It's not over for me. I'm going to take a long rest, decide what to do next. This night was Margarito's night. He's an excellent fighter. He did his job better than I did." —Miguel Cotto²

"Both fighters are better offensively than they are defensively, and that's not because they're bad defensive fighters—it's because they're both very good offensive fighters. It's not good for them because they're going to take a lot of punishment, but it's good for everyone watching."—Paulie Malignaggi, junior welterweight champion²

"I know this is my opportunity to grab what's out there for me. I've been waiting so long to get to this place, and now I want to do what I know I can do."—Antonio Margarito³

"I will use whatever I need to use to win this fight," he said. "I can't tell you what style I will have to use, and until I get in the ring, I don't know what style will win this fight—move or box. But I will try and use everything."—Miguel Cotto⁴

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