By Mark Vester

Contender star Alfonso Gomez (18-3-2, 8KOs) is prepared to do whatever it takes to upset WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (31-0, 25KOs) on April 12 in Atlantic City. Speaking with Primera Hora, Gomez said he's ready to go toe-to-toe with one of the biggest punchers in the welterweight division.

"I went to Contender with the goal of winning the prize of $1 million. Although that didn't happen, it opened other doors for me. I'm going to beat Miguel Cotto. Everyone is going to be surprised," Gomez said. "I was supposed to have fought Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I am prepared for a bigger fight."

Gomez knows that he's a big underdog in the fight, but he's always played the role of the underdog and plans to showcase what he's made of against Cotto.

"I have never been the favorite. It's been like that my whole life.  During the Contender series, I had to show time and again that I could fight with anyone. Now the time has arrived for me to show the world that I am ready for a title fight," Gomez said. "We are both in the primes of our careers. I don't have the smallest doubt that I can knock out Cotto.  I know that he's been hurt, but he's shown a great heart by recovering and he continues to win."

Cotto has been hurt in several fights, but he always manages to fight his way out of trouble. Gomez says that he won't let him off the hook on April 12.

"If I hurt Cotto, I'm not going to let the opportunity pass to finish the fight. I am the faster fighter and I expect a war."

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