Miguel Cotto and Antonio used today’s final press conference to get in some last-minute personal insults before Saturday’s highly anticipated rematch. Margarito kicked off the animosity by stating Cotto’s punches like a “girl” and a super flyweight. Cotto countered by reiterating his stance that Margarito is a “criminal” and “embarrassment” to boxing, which invoked notable cheers from the audience. The ill will resulted in Bob Arum making sure to stand between them for photos and no final staredown.
ANTONIO MARGARITO
This man next to me calls me a criminal. I don’t know why he calls me a criminal. I am not a criminal. He’s said I’m not a good person or a gentleman. I don’t know why he says that. He says he’s not going to have any mercy on my eye. He can hit my eye as many times as he wants. He hits like a girl; a super flyweight hits harder. I’m very confident in my preparation. I’m better than the first time.
MIGUEL COTTO
I’m going to talk in Spanish so Antonio gets a direct message and understands me well. A criminal is, and you can look it up in the dictionary, those persons who utilize a weapon against another person. I asked you during the Faceoff about the rupture in your gloves, a question you mixed with mucus.
Second, the wrap during the Mosley fight was removed prior to the bout and had a red spot prior to any gloves being worn on your hands. Why did you have that red spot?
MARGARTIO
You’re worried. We’ll see on Saturday…
COTTO
I’m not worried — do you know why you can’t answer? Because you’re a shame for the boxing world and the Mexican people should blush because of you. This Saturday, you’re gonna see how the ‘little girl’ will punch and play with you at will.
MARGARITO
We’ll see! We’ll see!
COTTO
I’ll see you on Saturday.
MARGARITO
That’s what you said the last time. You’re gonna get it worse this time.
