We last reported that Golden Boy Promotions had offered former champion Miguel Cotto 10 million dollars to fight Canelo Alvarez. Top Rank isn’t going down without a fight though; according to ESPN Deportes Top Rank has offered Cotto 15 million to fight Sergio Martinez.
It was thought that the ceiling for a Top Rank deal would be around the 6 million dollar range for Cotto, but with the possibility of GBP/Showtime putting on the top 5 boxing PPV matches of 2014 Top Rank went all out to lure Cotto.
Cotto’s advisor Sampson Lewcowicz is trying his best to keep their intentions hush-hush, but had this to say to BoxingScene.com:
“Before we do anything we are waiting on doctor’s final report, by the end of next week, on Martinez’s knee injury.”
“He (Cotto) has offers from two people, a banker with a million dollars… and a hall of fame promoter who offers pride, honor, glory, and also money. (Also) To have the opportunity to make history in Puerto Rico.”
There are other incentives for Cotto to fight Martinez. Martinez is 38 years old and coming off of several injuries, while Canelo is in his early 20’s and is reaching his prime. The Martinez fight would also afford Cotto the opportunity to capture a title in his 4th weight class, that’d be a first for a Puerto Rican boxer.
Golden Boy would almost certainly host the event in the MGM Las Vegas Grand Arena, while Showtime has announced a June 7th Madison Square Garden fight plan. Cotto loves MSG and loves having a huge Puerto Rican crowd cheer him to victory.
Lewcowicz has so far denied the $15 million dollar offer:
“That story of $15 million dollars is a fantasy, If you believe that I have an extra Tecate for you.”
Keep in mind that it’s his job to play both sides of the line and to milk as much as he can from both promoters. It could be that he’s not trying to leak exact numbers for the sake of his clients negations.
If this new offer is true it may be too much for Cotto to walk away from because it has the perfect combo of a huge pay day and the ability to win. One thing seems clear, Top Rank is becoming increasingly desperate for top notch fights and will do anything to stop Golden Boy Promotions from cornering the sport.