By Miguel Rivera

Former world champions Miguel Angel Cotto and IvAn Calderon have advised their countryman, veteran boxer Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez, to consider his future and all of his possible options before making a final decision to continue fighting.

Lopez (35-6, 32 KO's) said Monday, two days after his knockout loss to Jayson "La Maravilla" Velez (26-4-1, 18 KO's), that he would continue "fighting tirelessly to do what he loves."

Juanma has been knocked out three times in his last four fights and he's suffered knockout losses in other bouts. He doesn't appear to have any punch resistance left.

Last year Cotto ended a 17 year career, after winning six world titles and four in different divisions. He finished a record of 41-6 and 33 KO's.

"We all have own our destiny," Cotto to Jose Bartolomei.

"Juanma has to sit by himself. Put everything on the table and see what suits him. He has to analyze what will become of himself in the future, and then decide whether to continues or not. After the loss against Jayson, my advice would be that he can devote himself to doing other things in boxing. Like the gym for example. That 'main focus' - he can relegate it in other facets."

Lopez suffered his sixth setback as a pro, all by way of knockout, when Velez stopped him.

"If it were for me, I would say it's time to dedicate himself to family and children," said Calderón.

"I respect his decision. But you should avoid unnecessary punches and punishments. I congratulate him for the great job he did from round one, until 12. But I think it is time to dedicate to the family. "

Similar to Lopez (Athens 2004), Cotto and Calderón were also Olympic boxers (Sidney 2000).

"I respect his decision," repeated Calderón, who made 18 full defenses during his brilliant career in which he finished with a record of 35-3-1 and 6 KO's.

"He has the knowledge. He can be a coach. He should analyze his fight against Vélez. When a boxer retires it's usually because another fighter retires him, it is difficult. He has to take that step."