Connect with us

Articles of 2007

Margarito Wants Mexican vs. Puerto Rican Bout

Published

on

It looks like former WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito is hoping for a lucrative showdown against Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto. This is assuming of course, that Cotto gets past “Sugar” Shane Mosley on November 10th.

Margarito (34-5, 24 KO’s), of Tijuana, Mexico will take on Golden Johnson (25-7, 18 KO’s) as part of the well stacked under card. Johnson, the NABF Welterweight champion, is coming off a quality TKO win over Oscar Diaz and should make things somewhat complicated for the hard brawling Mexican.

The question is, what happened to Paul Williams? Williams took a close decision over Margarito and relocated the WBO belt to his waist. You’d think a rematch would be the first thing on Margarito’s mind after such a close loss.

“I wanted the rematch against Williams immediately but Bob (Arum) decides what we do,” said Margarito. “Paul Williams will be there down the road and if his people want to make a fight then we’ll do it again.”

Margarito and manager Sergio Diaz realize that a fight against Cotto is the smartest wager on the table.

“If we can get a chance at Cotto we’re going to take it,” said Diaz. “We’d be crazy not to. Paul Williams was a tough fight and we’d like to eventually face him again. It was a very close fight.”

And you can bet that the folks at Top Rank promotions are praying for Cotto and Margarito victories. The Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry lends itself to an easily promotable and very lucrative Pay Per View event.

“We know that some of the greatest fights are fought between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters,” said Margarito. “I’m hoping Cotto wins since I think the fight will be big in Mexico and Puerto Rico. It’s a passionate rivalry.”

Margarito was anointed as the most avoided man in the welterweight division by himself and some in the media, a claim further fueled by #1 Pound for Pound king, Floyd Mayweather Jr., when he reportedly turned down an eight million dollar offer to tangle with the “Tijuana Tornado”.

Never at a loss for great quotes, promoter Bob Arum still believes Mayweather didn’t want anything to do with Margarito or anyone else with a shot at beating him.

“I think the question should be phrased differently. Would Floyd Mayweather, the dancing star, ever face Cotto or Shane Mosley?” said Arum when questioned on the subject. “Mayweather would never fight Margarito or any of these guys so forget Floyd Mayweather. He can keep throwing away hundred dollar bills at night clubs or whatever he does.”

In the meantime, Margarito prepares for Johnson in Los Angeles under the watchful eye of conditioning coach Javier Capetillo and sees his loss to Williams as a lesson that will ultimately benefit him.

“I think that the loss to Paul Williams was a mixed blessing,” said Margarito. “Some of the better fighters will think I’m more beatable now and I’ll get the fights I want.”

For now, Golden Johnson remains the target.

“He’s a smart and experienced fighter. It’s not an easy fight by any means,” said Margarito. “That’s why I’m going to come in at a hundred percent so there will be no surprises.”

This is Margarito’s big chance. He’s been working at it since he was sixteen years old when he had his first pro fight in Tijuana. Now he’s one win away from a big pay per view showdown.

“It’s all about the sacrifices,” said the twenty-nine-year old.

“Eventually all the sacrifices pay off. I’ve been waiting since I was sixteen. I have to win this fight to make everything I’ve dreamed of happen.”

Although he’d rather see the Puerto Rican as the winner, he wants an opportunity at either man.

“Cotto or Mosley. I hope the winner will give me a shot,” said Margarito. “If it’s Mosley, then great. I know he‘s got an excellent shot at winning but naturally I’d like to see Cotto win.”

Of course it should be Paul Williams in this position. But this is boxing and what makes sense isn’t always what happens.  And let’s not forget that Mosley and Johnson could realistically alter any plans for a Mexico vs. Puerto Rico showdown.

“I know that could happen and I’m aware of it but all I can do is my part and show up in the best condition possible,” said Margarito. “Everything else is in God’s hands.”

The Margarito/Johnson fight will come on before the Cotto/Mosley main event from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Also on the under-card will be former world champion Joel Casamayor vs. Jose Armando Santa Cruz in a lightweight clash. Opening up the H.B.O. Pay Per View will be Oxnard’s rising prospect, Victor Ortiz, taking on former Junior Welterweight champion Carlos Maussa of Colombia.

Ring Bytes: Former superflyweight champion Martin Castillo took a ten round unanimous decision over Johnathan Perez in a decent performance on Friday night in Chicago. I don't think “Gallito” is back to his former self yet but he's making some progress. The word is that he'll fight Jorge “Travieso” Arce next. That's going to be a tough one for Castillo. His fans hope he hope he can get into the same mode he was in before he first defeated current WBA titlist Alexander Munoz when he looked like a virtuoso in the ring.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Local-Fan-Favorites-Terri-Harpet-and-Maxi-Hughes-Victorious-in-Doncaster
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Local Fan Favorites Terri Harper and Maxi Hughes Victorious in Doncaster

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles17 hours ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles2 days ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 days ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles5 days ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles6 days ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

The-Shafting-of-Blair-the-Flair-Cobbs-a-Familar-Thread-in-the-Cruelest-Sport
Featured Articles1 week ago

The Shafting of Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, a Familiar Thread in the Cruelest Sport

Opetaia-and-Nakatani-Crush-Overmatched-Foes-Capping-Off-a-Wild-Boxing-Weekend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Opetaia and Nakatani Crush Overmatched Foes, Capping Off a Wild Boxing Weekend

Fabio-Wardley-Comes-from-Behind-to-KO-Justis-Huni
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Fabio Wardley Comes from Behind to KO Justis Huni  

Pacquiao-is-Back,-Fabio-in-England-and-More.jpg
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Delving-Into-'Hoopa'-With-Notes-on-Books-by-George-Plimpton-and-Joyce-Carol-Oates
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Delving into ‘Hoopla’ with Notes on Books by George Plimpton and Joyce Carol Oates

Remembering-the-Under-Appreciated-Body-Snatcher-Mike-McCallum,-a-Conusmmate-Pro
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Remembering the Under-Appreciated “Body Snatcher” Mike McCallum, a Consummate Pro    

A-Night-of-Mismatches-Turns-Topsy-Turvy-at-Mandalay-Bay-Resendiz-Shocks-Plant
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Night of Mismatches Turns Topsy-Turvy at Mandalay Bay; Resendiz Shocks Plant

Results-and-Recaps-from-Las-Vegas-Where-Melikuziev-Nipped-Fulghum-in-a-Fierce-Fight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Results and Recaps from Las Vegas Where Melikuziev Nipped Fulghum in a Fierce Battle

Avila-Perspective-Chap-228-Viva-Las-Vegas-Back-in-the-Boxing-Spotlight
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 228: Viva Las Vegas, Back in the Boxing Spotlight

Vinny-Paz-is-Going-into-the-Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-Hey-why-Not-Roger-Mayweather?
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vinny Paz is Going into the Boxing Hall of Fame; Hey, Why Not Roger Mayweather?

Newspaperman-Playwright-Author-Bobby-Cassidy-Jr-Commemorates-his-Fighting-Father
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Newspaperman/Playwright/Author Bobby Cassidy Jr Commemorates His Fighting Father

Ekow-Essuman-Upsets-Josh-Taylor-and-Moses-Itauma-Blasts-Out-Mike-Balogun-in-Glasgow
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor and Moses Itauma Blasts Out Mike Balogun in Glasgow

Angelo-Leo-Retains-His-Featherweight-Title-Before-a-Hostile-Crowd-in-Osaka
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Angelo Leo Retains His Featherweight Title Before a Hostile Crowd in Osaka

in-A-Trubute-Wedded-to-Memorial-Day-Boxing-Writer-David-Avila-Pays-Homage-to-Absent-Friends
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

In a Tribute Wedded to Memorial Day, Boxing Writer David Avila Pays Homage to Absent Friends

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending