3 Puerto Ricans face Pinoys in title fights

AFTER Manny Pacquiao ran roughshod against Mexico’s best, setting the rivalry of the two countries, it’s the turn of Puerto Rico to join the act.

Three Puerto Rican world champions are getting ready for their upcoming bouts against three Pinoys—including Pacquiao himself.

World Boxing Organization champions Miguel Cotto (welterweight), Jose Lopez (super flyweight) and Ivan Calderon (light flyweight) have already started their training for their respective fights.

Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) is set to fight Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas; the veteran Lopez (39-7-2, 32 KOs) is set to defend his title against young up-and-coming star Marvin Sonsona (13-0, 12 KOs) on Sept.
4 at the Casino Rama in Canada; and Calderon (32-0-1, 6 KOs) is scheduled for a grudge rematch with Cebuano fighter Rodel Mayol (25-3-1, 19 KOs) on Sept.12 in the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey in Puerto Rico.

FightNews.com reported that the 37-year-old Lopez has been collaborating with the 34-year-old Calderon in preparation for their upcoming bouts.

Meanwhile, Cotto, is as dead serious in his preparation for the best fighter in the world, Pacquiao, and has started his training early.