TROUT-COTTO ANNOUNCED FOR DEC. 1ST IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Press Release: Though he proudly represents his native Puerto Rico every time he steps between the ropes, Miguel Cotto can call New York City his second home. He is unbeaten in nine fights in the Big Apple since turning pro in 2001. On Saturday, December 1st the former multi-division champion expects a full house cheering him at Madison Square Garden when he faces Austin "No Doubt" Trout in a fight that will be telecast live on Showtime. Trout holds the WBA regular title at 154 pounds (subject to Floyd Mayweather's WBA super championship). "I am really excited to come back to my second home," said Cotto.  "Fighting at The Garden is always special for me and a true pleasure.  There is something unique in the atmosphere and it means a lot to me every time I fight there because the energy of the fans gives me extra motivation.  Austin Trout will be a challenge for me, but I will win my fifth world championship on December 1st."

"Miguel Cotto needs no introduction," said Trout. "He's a true champion and one of the best fighters of the last 10 years, but I'm the present and future of the  sport and this is just the showcase I need to prove to the world that I'm one of the best, pound-for-pound. I can't wait to fight in such a legendary place like Madison Square Garden; it's every fighter's dream."

"We are thrilled to have Miguel Cotto back at The Garden in a spectacular fight against undefeated and world champion Austin Trout," Miguel Cotto Promotions Vice President Hector Soto stated.  "This will be like a homecoming party; a national  Puerto Rican holiday.  This is a solid show featuring one of the biggest superstars in boxing, Miguel Cotto, supported by hot prospects from the island of Puerto Rico showing their developing talent and potential.  I cannot wait!"

"There are few events in boxing like a Miguel Cotto fight at Madison Square Garden," said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. "The atmosphere is electric and it feels like all of Puerto Rico has come out to support him. Nights like these lift up the sport and I can't wait to be in New York on December 1 to witness this great fight live."

Greg Cohen, Trout's promoter, said, "Miguel Cotto could fight anyone and the fact that he sought out a young, hungry and talented world champion in Austin Trout speaks volumes of his character and competitive spirit. This fight will represent the changing of the guard, very similar to when a young Sugar Ray Leonard beat Wilfred Benitez. Austin Trout is going to be the next American superstar. Some guys get lost in the moment while others embrace it. Austin will seize the moment. December
1 at Madison Square Garden, a star will be born."

"We are proud to be working with Miguel Cotto Promotions on such a huge event," said Stephen Espinzoa, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Showtime Sports. "Miguel Cotto is an icon not only in the boxing world but also to New York sports fans.  Bringing him back to this city to fight an undefeated champion in Austin Trout at Madison Square Garden is a perfect way to cap off what has been a landmark year for World Championship boxing on Showtime."

"We are excited to welcome the great Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto back to his home, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing," said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports.  "Miguel is New York's most popular fighter, and we're thrilled that area boxing fans will be able to see him in our historic building - that will just have completed phase two of our transformation - once again."

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET.  They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com.