Floyd Mayweather; Eight-Time and Five-Division World Champion
“Tonight we gave the fans what they wanted to see. We matched the best with the best. Cotto was a very tough competitor and he won some rounds. He pushed me to the limits and this is what it’s all about.
“Miguel Cotto fought his ass off tonight and I want to congratulate him and his team.
“You’ve seen me in flashy cars, but I want you to know that I do give back to the community. This is what it’s all about. It’s not about making a lot of money. It’s about giving back.
“I don’t want be on TV and not give you guys [the fans and media] what you deserve.
“Cotto is a good puncher. He didn’t win more than 30 fights for nothing. I was the first fighter to fight him at a weight that he was comfortable with. I actually came into the fight weighing 147.
“Things happened tonight and we both had to fight. But the main thing is that we got the victory.
“I think tonight was a cool fight. The fans were happy. It’s about impressing fans and giving them what they want to see.
“I sensed that sometimes Miguel was breaking down and then he would come back sharp. Miguel Cotto is in shape. The right hook and the uppercut were working for me tonight. I had watched tapes of Shane Mosley [when he fought Cotto] and I saw that the right hook was working. And I also watch Zab Judah use the uppercut against him too. So I knew I was going to use those shots tonight.
“I knew the right hook was going to be my money shot. A lot of times and these days you don’t see fighters using the right hook, only the left. But tonight I wanted to use the right hook and that is what I did.
“Tonight I got a few bumps and bruises, but that is part of the sports.
“I could have made it a very easy fight, but I was going for the knockout. Cotto was in tremendous shape. He was tough.
“Our game plan is always to win. Cotto surprised me and his record reflects where he is today.
“It’s about winning and that’s what I did. I’m not going to fold to pressure. Cotto can keep his head high as we are both winners tonight in our own way.”
Canelo Alvarez, WBC Super Welterweight Champion
“I want to thank my great team for all the great work and Mosley for giving me the experience. I learned a lot from tonight’s fight. It’s is the first time that I got cut and learned a lot from it. I told myself not to worry about it and that is also what I told my team.
“Yes I’m definitely ready to fight on a higher level. I’m ready for the best. I’ve gained a lot of experience tonight and I am ready to fight bigger fighters.
“I felt I had a great performance. Mosley is an experienced fighter. I know him very well and I followed his career.
“That was the game plan. I had to be calm and take my time and that is exactly what I did.
“I would like to fight one of the two main fighters, Mayweather or Cotto. This is what I deserve the most.
“I wasn’t surprised that Shane was able to take my punches.
“The next fight, you will see a better Canelo and a more experience Canelo. I am ready.”
Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“Floyd fought a fight that you guys hadn’t seen in some time. We knew coming into the fight that preparation was the key. He was pushed and he had to come out and fight hard.
“Cotto never gave up. The fans were going really wild.
“Miguel Cotto is probably one of the classiest guys in the sport of boxing. I would like to give him, his team and Gaby a lot of credit.
“What can I say but another one down.”
Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions
“Everyone gave a wonderful show tonight. Canelo is a young man who showed a lot of heart and desire, especially when he got cut over the eye, he kept his cool and remained collective. That’s a good sign of a champion. Obviously, Canelo fought a good fight and he was too much for Mosley. For a 21 year old, he showed a lot tonight and I believe he is ready for a guys like Cotto or Mayweather.
“Cotto fought a great fight and Mayweather fought a great fight as well.
“It didn’t surprise what did Mayweather in the fight. Mayweather is a great fighter and we have to give a lot of credit to Cotto for giving such a fight to Mayweather.
“Mayweather is a strong fighter. He got Cotto with great shots. He’s confident in his abilities and he believes in himself. This is a beautiful thing for boxing.”
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
“Canelo is ready and so is the MGM Grand as he will be headlining his first pay-per-view on September 15.
“I’ve never seen as many people in the arena for the co-main event. A lot of Mexicans came for the fight.
“What I noticed with Floyd is that people are more appreciative of him and realize that he comes to fight. To see him come in tonight with Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent is really great for the sport of boxing.
“Beside his amazing skills, Floyd brings amazing numbers to the pay-per-view sales.
“Floyd Mayweather is a rock star. He really is.”