By Sevak Sarkisian

  As most fight fans already know, boxing legend Miguel Cotto (40-5 33KO’s) will no longer be returning to the ring in February against contender James Kirkland due to Kirkland sustaining an injury in training camp. In my opinion, it’s an unfortunate situation since I thought it would have been a great match up filled with action. 

However the good news is, if Cotto wishes to find a replacement opponent or perhaps re schedule his comeback for a different date, Jr. Middleweight contender and former 2 time world title challenger Vanes Martirosyan (36-3 21KO’s) has revealed to me that he is willing an able to replace Kirkland for the catch weight fight against Cotto.

In many ways, Martirosyan seems like a logical replacement opponent.  He is a highly ranked world class level Jr. Middleweight who is well known amongst fight fans.  He is also a true professional who always makes weight and has yet to pull out of a scheduled fight.  Martirosyan also fights in a fan friendly style and is usually in fun fights. 

However, for one reason or another he has been inactive lately and is clearly not happy with the way his promoter Tom Brown of TGB promotions has been guiding his career.  Releasing Vanes from his contract seems like the logical thing to do especially since it seems like his promoter doesn’t have any plans for him.  Shelving a fighter in his physical prime who works hard and is ready to fight is border line evil and I hope Vanes and his promoters can come to some sort of agreement for the benefit of both parties.

As a fan of the sport, I hope Miguel Cotto v Vanes Martirosyan is a fight that can eventually be made since stylistically it’s guaranteed to provide fireworks for the fans!