Miguel Cotto is still undecided on who to face in his next fight, but recent reports indicated that Brandon Rios could get a shot against the reigning World Boxing Council middleweight champion.
Rios, who is coming off an impressive win against Mike Alvarado in their third fight last month, has expressed interest in facing Cotto, BoxingScene reported.
Robert Garcia, Rios' trainer, also confirmed that they are eyeing a showdown against Cotto. Mexican boxing warrior Juan Manuel Marquez is also on their radar, but Garcia believes a fight against Cotto will be a treat to boxing fans.
"It has been mentioned as a possibility, and that is a challenge that Brandon would be willing to accept," Garcia said of the Cotto fight. "Although there are others like Juan Manuel Marquez who would be attractive to us. Undoubtedly facing someone like Cotto would be pleasing to the fans."
Garcia believes Rios deserves a shot against Cotto and he sees no reason why the Puerto Rican will not consider giving "Bam Bam" a chance.
The world renowned trainer said that they want to face Cotto for his middleweight title at a catchweight of 154-155 pounds, but he admitted that it is not up to them since Cotto has the right to dictate terms for the fight.
"Brandon is strong, motivated and there is long rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico," Garcia said. "It would be a war. I would wish for it to take place at a catch-weight. Brandon would be willing to go to either 154 or 155 pounds, but we recognize that Cotto is the one who sets the guidelines. Cotto is the star."
Cotto, who took the WBC middleweight title with a 10th round knockout win against Sergio Martinez in June last year, was previously linked to a showdown against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
Alvarez and Cotto's camp engaged in deep talks for a possible fight on Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2, but Canelo's camp pulled out of the talks after not getting an answer before the deadline they set. Alvarez then announced that he will face James Kirkland in his next fight.
Cotto, on the other hand, is also being linked to a possible rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. It is reportedly the reason why Cotto has yet to name an opponent as they are still waiting if Mayweather will finalize a super fight against rival Manny Pacquiao in May.
Aside from Rios and Mayweather, unbeaten middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and former welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley are also being linked to a title fight against Cotto this year.
