A few days ago, four division world champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico received boxing's biggest honor - when it was announced that he would be part of the 2022 class to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame located in Canastota, New York.

As part of the 2022 class, Cotto will join the likes of Roy Jones, James Toney, Regina Halmich and Holly Holm.

"It's something I didn't expect, it took me by surprise," Cotto told Carlos Gonzalez.

“This type of distinction has never been in my sights. I took boxing as my job to keep my family afloat."

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Hall of Fame classes for 2020 and 2021 are also going to be honored at the same ceremony - which means Cotto will share the stage with the 2020 class composed of Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Márquez, Bernard Hopkins, Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker - and the 2021 class that has Floyd Mayweather, Wladimir Klitschko, Andre Ward, Ann Wolfe and Laila Ali.

"It will be a great day for world boxing," Cotto said.

Cotto turned pro in 2001 and retired from the sport in 2017 after suffering an upset decision loss to Sadam Ali. He walked away from the ring with a record of 41-6 with 33 knockouts.

During his pro run, Cotto faced numerous high-caliber opponents such as Floyd Mayweather, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Sergio Martinez, and several others.

Along the way, he captured world titles at140, 147, 154 and 160.

Cotto assured that the spirit of his late father, Miguel Cotto Sr, will be present during the ceremony.

“My old man left on January 3, 2010 and he has never left my side. He will always be with me. What I am and what I will be for the rest of my life I owe to education, discipline and work. My old man made a commitment to my mother to raise and educate three good human beings. He did his job and I have no doubt that he will be smiling that day," Cotto concluded.