Muhammad Abdullaev hit New York City, checked in at the hotel front desk, told fight reporters his Olympic gold medal is "framed real nice and hanging like a picture at my home," and said after he beats Miguel Cotto on June 11 the battle plan is to step it up and take on Zab Judah and Kostya Tszyu.

"Cotto is better - moves a lot quicker - but I'm the one who beat him at the Olympic Games," Abdullaev said, taking a fighter's stance and shaking his fists as a crowd formed around him.

Then, Miguel Cotto came into the hotel lobby and walked straight to Abdullaev.

Cotto stuck out a hand and then embraced the Olympic gold medal winner - the last man to defeat him.

"Welcome to New York City," said Cotto, with a quick smile.

Cotto, world junior welterweight champion, will defend his title against Abdullaev in a scorching main event at Madison Square Garden on June 11.  It's a revenge fight for Cotto, who lost to Abdullaev in the first round of the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia.

"Getting this guy back into the ring is something I've wanted for a long time," Cotto said.

Cotto and Abdullaev will be at a Thursday, 11 am press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City to officially announce the fight.  Also attending will be former world champion Joel Casamayor who will take on lightweight sensation Kid Diamond of Las Vegas.

Cotto worked out hard Thursday in New York, hitting a heavy bag, speed bag and shaking out in the ring at the Trinity Boxing Club at 110 Greenwich St. Cotto vs. Abdullaev will be presented by Sportsbook.com, a leader in worldwide gaming.