Urkal preparing for tough assignment vs. Cotto

30/01/2007

Urkal preparing for tough assignment vs. Cotto

Press Release: Oktay Urkal is preparing to battle Miguel Cotto in the heat of San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 3, 2007. "That will be a tough fight," said the 37-year-old mandatory challenger fro Cotto's WBA welterweight belt. "But I am ready. It´s not the first time that I´m in the same ring with a world-class fighter." Urkal (38-3, 12 KOs) first became known June 2001 when he dropped a close points decision against world light welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu despite fighting with a broken jaw during the last rounds. Urkal worked hard to earn two more world title fights against Vivian Harris, who won the first duel narrowly before stopping Urkal in the second battle. "It won´t happen again," said the former European Champion. "Getting four world title shots tells you something about my heart and my class. I am in great shape." 10,000 fans are expected to support the unbeaten Cotto in his home country, but Urkal is confident he can make something happen. "The ring in Puerto Rico will be no different from the rings Germany," he vowed. "I have faith in my speed and shape. I will try to put him under pressure even though I expect him to be quite aggressive."