PRESS RELEASE: World champion Miguel Cotto will defend vs. Gianluca Branco, 36-1-1, of Italy on a Top Rank championship fight card in San Juan on March 4. Todd duBoef, Top Rank president, made the announcement today at a press conference in Puerto Rico. Cotto, who will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight title, said he was thrilled Top Rank was returning to Puerto Rico. Branco is rated WBC #2, WBO #6. Cotto is coming off a knockdown war and stoppage of tough, all-heart contender Ricardo Torres. Cotto is 5-0-0 in world title fights. "It's been over a year since I've fought at home," said Cotto, 25-0 with 21 knockouts. "I know our fans will respond and come out on March 4. I don't know much about Branco but at this point in my career all of my challengers are tough, come very prepared and I'm expecting a tough fight." The Cotto vs. Branco championship bout will be televised on Home Box Office (HBO).