By Rey Colon

Abner Cotto (18-3, 8 KO's) will not return on February 28 in Gurabo against undefeated Rey 'The Maestro' Ojeda on a card being promoted by Universal Promotions, according to Cotto's manager Carlos Maldonado. Cotto was last seen in the ring in November, when he was stopped in five rounds by undefeated puncher Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs).

"We dropped the chance to fight Ojeda. It was offered to us, but the date is very close. Ojeda is a regional champion and ranked in various sanctioning bodies. He's a tough fight for both and Ojeda is undefeated and must be respected. And we didn't take it  because it's coming up too close. We were not ready. If it had been the end of March, then we could be ready," the manager said.

Rey Colon covers boxing for www.thesportpress.com