Re: Cotto Coming Back After Year Layoff

Word is that he's chosen a time and place to get back on the fighting track. A source tells me that the 36 year old pugilist with a 40-5 mark will glove up on Feb. 25 in Texas, on pay per view against, the source said, James Kirkland.

Kirkland is a 32-2 lefty 154er who also took 2016 off, after dropping a match against Alvarez. Canelo steamrolled Kirkland in the third when they waltzed and Canelo went on to gain a UD12 against Cotto.

Cotto, who picked up crowns on four weight classes, last tangoed in November 2015, dropping a decision to Canelo Alvarez. Chatter had him fighting a few times, against a few foes, but he didn't lock down the third fight of the three fight Roc Nation pact.

I messaged a Roc Nation sports arm spokesperson to get a confirm/deny on the Cotto plans. I also emailed Team Cotto personnel and a Kirkland advisor, and will insert responses when applicable.

Trainer Freddie Roach hadn’t been told specifics of what is next for Cotto, but he did tell me this on Wednesday: “Cotto needs a fight, he’s been off too long. We were trying for a rematch with Canelo, but that’s not happening now. There’ll be someone who wants to fight us soon though. Cotto will fight again. He’s anxious to start camp. He’s looking forward to fighting whoever it is. Oh, and Mayweather is still on his list, too!”