Hennessy, the world’s best-selling Cognac, honored six-time championship boxer and philanthropist Miguel Cotto, as the recipient of the 14^th annual V.S.O.P Privilège Award. The Privilège Award recognizes Cotto’s mastery in the boxing ring, which has spanned more than 15 years – as well as his contributions and dedication to empowering the Latino community and his home of Puerto Rico.

Manny Gonzalez (Moet Hennessy, Senior Director, Multicultural) presents the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Award, and an embossed bottle and a check donation to Mario Cotto

Now in its 14^th year, the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Award is bestowed to individuals who are not only masters at their craft, but have achieved unparalleled levels of accomplishment and use that success to inspire and give back to their community through leadership, service and mentorship.

Manny Gonzalez, Victor Cruz, Miguel Cotto, Richard Mcleod (Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Brand Director)

Also in attendance was fellow athlete Victor Cruz.

Cotto, who recently retired after one of the most storied careers in modern boxing, began his professional fighting in 2001 and has since risen above every obstacle, injury and adversary to leave an indelible mark on the sport – with a 41-6-0 record and winning championship belts in four weight classes. In addition to his showmanship in the ring – Cotto has shown just as much passion outside of the ring, empowering Latinos through his Fundacion El Angel de Miguel Cotto charity – where most recently he’s spent his efforts in helping the Hurricane Maria recovery across the island of his home of Puerto Rico.

“It is a true honor to be presented with the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Award,” said Cotto. “Like Hennessy, I am dedicated to empowering future generations, and being recognized for these efforts is both humbling and inspiring.”

During the evening, Hennessy also announced its donation, on behalf of Miguel Cotto, to the Hispanic Federation to help support his continued efforts to rebuild and bring relief to Puerto Rico, and to the Fundacion El Angel de Miguel Cotto to support the boxer’s ongoing community efforts.

All photos – Lauren Cowart