In this video interview caught by FightHub, Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya talks about Cotto’s farewell fight and what it means for the sport and his legacy. Check out some excerpts of what he had to say below...

De La Hoya on what this final Cotto fight means:

“I see it as a celebration for boxing, for Miguel Cotto, for the Garden, for anybody involved with this event, is in for a treat. I think Miguel Cotto is one of the best fighters or warriors that boxing has had in recent years. He’s always faced the very best. Against Sadam Ali it’s gonna be a tough fight.

“A farewell fight where it’s obviously not going to be easy. Sadam Ali has tons of experience. Here at the Garden he’s fought in the Golden Gloves, he’s a national champion, he’s a decorated amateur fighter who was part of the 2008 Olympic team. So it’s not gonna be easy for him but we in boxing feel that we’re in for a special treat when we see Miguel Cotto fight against anyone, especially the likes of Sadam Ali.”

On Miguel Cotto’s legacy:

“You know, he’s gonna be considered one of the best. I mean he is the only four-division world champion from Puerto Rico, which tells you a lot because Puerto Rico has had many great world champions like Wilfredo Benitez, and the list goes on and on and on — like Felix Trinidad. So the fact that Miguel Cotto is the only four-division champion from Puerto Rico just - it tells you a lot.

“He’s obviously a sure ballot into the Hall of Fame. He’s a fighter who takes on all-comers, ‘til the very end. He has had a stellar career, he’s been on HBO 24 times, and so I believe Miguel Cotto - I can rank Miguel Cotto, sincerely, in the top 20 of all time.”

I’m certain this will draw some passionate debate, so have at it in the comments below. Is Cotto really anywhere near a top-20 all-timer?