Margarito punishes Cintron, keeps title - WBO welterweight champion starts fast, forces fight to be stopped in fifth round - By KEVIN IOLE REVIEW-JOURNAL

Take that, HBO! ESPN PPV the best 30 bucks I’ve ever spent on boxing - By Coyote Duran- Doghouseboxing.com

It's Margarito, Mosley & Brock
By Kieran Mulvaney- Tigerboxing.com

Margarito batters Cintron!
WBO champ stops challenger in 5th- by Mike Sloan and Trinidad Guzman -UFCFightnews

MARGARITO - CINTRON: A 'CRYING' SHAME! - By Elisa Harrison- BragginRightsCorner.com

Margarito shows Cintron the other side of a KO - By Ric Solivan- Doghouseboxing.com

Photo: German Villasenor.

Live on ESPN Pay-Per-View Saturday April 23, 2005 from Ceasars Palace, Las Vegas NV.

Kermit Cintron background: Born in Puerto Rico, his mother died of breast cancer. His father sent Kermit and his two brothers to live with uncle Benjamin Serrano, former middleweight contender, in Warminster, PA. His father died five years later, which ended his dream of returning to Puerto Rico to be united with his father and friends. But he didn’t become self-destructive. He used sports channel his energies.

He joined his school’s wrestling, football, track and baseball teams and excelled in wrestling. By the time he was a senior at William Tennant High School high school, he had earned full scholarship offers to Wisconsin University and Ohio State University. He declined both and instead attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, PA, where he finished 10th at the NJCAA (National Junior College) Wrestling Championships.

Still, despite his success on the wrestling mat, Cintron felt that something was missing. Uncle Benjamin Serrano, who fought world-ranked contenders like Frank "The Animal" Fletcher and Doug DeWitt in the ’70s and ’80s, taught Cintron to box while Cintron was in high school and brought him to the Warminster Police Station Gym to train. But it wasn’t until the Cintron reached the age of 19 that boxing stepped to the forefront of his mind.

Shortly after finishing his college freshman year, Cintron entered the amateur ranks and compiled a record of 24-4, 17 KO’s. In October 2000 he turned pro.

Moretti: We are getting closer and closer to the April 23rd ESPN pay-per-view show. There is no questions that top to bottom this is a show everyone is looking forward to. And you look at the fight at the top between Margarito and Cintron and it has everything you want. The Mexican Puerto Rican rivalry continues – two big punchers. Two guys with huge hearts and great chins. You add the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace and it should be a great evening of boxing.

Will you test Cintron early?

Margarito: If you have seen my fights, you know I don’t back down from anyone and I will leave all my heart and everything that I have on the table. I am ready to give a great fight and the people at Caesars Palace will be the winners.

Cintron. It’s going to be a great fight. Margarito is a great champion. He has good heart and he comes to fight. Come the 23rd of April, we are going to see a great fight.

What is next?

Cintron: I will still have to get through Margarito before I think of anything else. After that, Carl Moretti and Main Events will decide whatever is next. I just continue to win fights and everyone will get a chance to fight Kermit Cintron.

Are you eager to test his endurance in this fight?

Margarito: Anything can happen in the ring. I would like to finish early so we could all go home, but if we can’t, I will make some adjustments and show some things you haven’t seen before. You may see some things that you haven’t seen from me before.

What did you think about Margarito in his last fight?

Cintron: I walked away from that thinking that he’s a great fighter and a great champion. Lujon came at him the first couple of rounds and Margarito adjusted. Margarito then began to take him apart. I walked away thinking that he was a great champion. I just have to train hard and be prepared. He’s number one in the welterweight division. It’s no my opinion that counts, but I think of him having great heart. Every fight is different. He could bring a different style to my fight. He ended up taking Lujon out and you never know.

How is your hand?

Cintron: My hand is great. I’ve been punching with it and sparring with it. It’s just great being able to punch with my right hand the way I want to.

Your hand was infected and turned black, right?

Cintron: Exactly, yes. Any fighter would like to take a tune-up fight after a long layoff. We couldn’t do it and we just want to fight he best. And that’s what I want to do – fight the best out there. In my opinion, Margarito is the best out there.

Floyd Mayweather predicted you would get knocked out…

Cintron: Who is Floyd, man? Who is Floyd? I have a great chin and my chin has been tested when I fought Teddy Reed. If people still have questions about it, they can buy ringside tickets to the fight on April 23 and check it out for themselves. Regarding Mayweather – he’s going to be surprised himself. Gatti is a tough fighter and if Chop Chop Corley can hurt him – you’d be surprised. And Mayweather will be surprised.

Are you ready to step up to fight the big boys?

Cintron: I’ve been ready to step it up for a while. I stepped it up against Teddy Reed and I’ll step it up against Margarito. And after I win against Margarito I will step it up even further. Shane Mosley or Zab Judah, I will be ready to fight whoever thinks they are the best. Just bring them on. I am a competitive guy. I’ve been on the floor for who knows how long now. I know what it takes to win.

Mexican-American rivalry?

Margarito: I know about the great rivalry that exists between Mexico and Puerto Rico. The only Puerto Rican I have fought is Santos and you know how that went. All I know is that I have been training for this fight and I’m ready for this fight and I’m ready to give it my all.

It seems like everyone is trying to get away from these guys?

Margarito: I have been looking forward to this fight. I know he’s undefeated and I know he’s hungry. I know he want to beat me but I want to win also. I’ve been working very hard and I know how important it is for me to win this fight. I know there are a lot of good opportunities for the winner of this fight. So obviously I am preparing very well. I truly enjoy the challenge of fighting someone that no one else wants to fight.

What about the layoff?

Cintron: The layoff has made me hungrier, made me train harder and made me want to get back in the ring that much sooner. I want to fight so it has been a good thing for me.

Will the jab be a factor?

Cintron: I have been using my jab a lot. I have been training very hard and when it comes down to the fight on April 23rd, you will see that I’m using my jab more and boxing more. I will finally get to use both of my hands. Especially my right hand more than I have been able to.

How has Margarito been able to improve as much as he has?

Margarito: I think that styles make fights and the styles of my last few opponents I have not been able to adapt to very well, so I haven’t looked as well as I should have. There is no question that my style and Kermit’s style will match very well. I think it will be a better fight because of his style and the way I fight. I truly believe that in the gym is where you prepare and adapt and I believe that I will be very prepared for this fight.

Cintron: I have been doing lots of bag work and hitting the mitts. I’ve been hitting a lot with both hands and hitting a lot with my right hand. My hand is in great shape. Come April 23rd I will be able to let go of my right hand the way I want to throw it.

Is this the fight of your life?

Cintron: Definitely. It is for the world championship. A lot of people want to be in the position that I am at right now. This fight against Margarito will show where I stand and what I will do in the future. This fight is definitely very important to me.

Antonio, how would you define this fight for yourself?

Margarito: All fights are important, no doubt about it. This was is a little more important because of what it will mean for the winner. I think a lot of doors will open for the winner and it is a good fight for me at this time. Kermit is a great boxer and he is undefeated. For me to beat him would be a good thing and then I could take advantage of the opportunities that will happen.

What did you learn from fighting in the club shows in LA?

Margarito: When you are in Mexico you want to come fight in the United States and make a name for yourself and I think that’s how I began. I knew I had to win all of the fights that I had and they were all important moments of my life. As a boxer, it would lead me to the championship, which is what I wanted. I knew the fights were important because then the fans would follow my career. People that liked the way I fought.

What were the biggest things he learned in those fights?

Margarito: You are always learning, even if you are sparring or hitting the bag. You are always learning. Early on I didn’t have the experience to show the people what I could really do. After time, the experience took over and that’s why you see a different fighter today.

Have you sparred against bigger fighters?

Margarito: I have had good sparring. We’ve had guys that are bigger and stronger than my size and I have been able to take their punch.

Cintron: Two of my sparring partners are junior middleweight and one is a welterweight. So yes, I have been sparring with bigger guys.

Are you ready to go 12 hard rounds?

Margarito: Like any fighter, you train and prepare for twelve rounds. But you would like the fight to end early. With him, a lot of people are talking about how strong he is and what a big puncher he is. But I have been fighting strong punchers my whole career and I have proved myself against them. I proved that I can take a punch and that I will be ready for him.

Are you ready for the quality of Margarito?

Cintron: I am up to the challenge. I believe that I have the heart and I just want to fight the better guys out there. Just because I don’t have the experience doesn’t mean that I am not going to win fights. I am learning every time. When you are watching fights, you can see that. I am getting better every time and I deserve to be where I am at. I worked hard for it.

Are you prepared to have Margarito still standing after taking your best shots?

Cintron: The more he stands there, the more damage he is going to get. You have to train hard and I have been preparing myself for this fight. When it comes to April 23rd, let the best man win.

Are you ready for Cintron’s power?

Margarito: Yes, of course. I know that he is a strong puncher. I know what I am up against and I’ve been up against undefeated guys before and I came out OK.

Margarito shows up in support of old friend Paez, as the latter opnes up his own boxing gym in Fresno.

Story and Photo : German Villasenor.

3-14-05- The former IBF Featherweight champion and WBU Superfeatherweight / long time IBF top five contender Jorge ''El Maromero'' Paez celebrated the grand opening of his own gym in Fresno California last Saturday afternoon.

The WBO Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who opened up own camp for his clash on April 23rd vs the interim champion Kermit Cintron on the Main Events / ESPNPPV main event made the trip along with trained Javier Capetillo and a few friends to help Paez celebrate the grand opening.

Both fighters posed for photos, signed posters, gloves and cards for hours before setting down at dusk to eat some of the barbeque which was free to all in the backyard of the gym.

Paez hopes to bring the youngsters from around town and to keep them off the streets and gangs.

The gym is located at 3974 E. Jensen Street, Fresno California, 93725

10-29-04- Rest of story, click HERE.

4-10-03 - There is nothing yet on the table for Antonio Maragarito as of now. Todd duBoef Exec. V.P. of Top Rank has mentioned that not only are the t.v. dates not there, but he also needs to tie some loose ends regarding Antonio Margarito. We all know that Ricardo Mayorga will most likely be fighting Vernon Forrest in July. Don King opted not to work with Top Rank to make a unification match between Margarito and Mayorga, all this due to greed and fear of losing his champion.

Margarito has stated an interest in fighting the current IBF Welterweight Champion, Corey Spinks, but he is also under Don King. Margarito is getting anxious, he does not want to continue fighting fighters with the likes of Quiroz and Celaya or Baldomir because his purses will continue to be low. Margarito wants fame and fortune and he believes these types of fights will not get him there.

Margarito has heard of Mayweather wanting to fight De La Hoya, well Margarito wants Mayweather to fight him. Margarito has stated, he would love to fight Mayweather and shut his big mouth. Why not fight me at 147lbs before thinking of fighting at 154lbs against De La Hoya. Everybody wants to fight the old man, why not fight me? Is it because I'm young and hungry? Or is it because you know you'll lose?

Margarito wants everyone to know, he wants to fight the best out there. "I want De La Hoya! I want Vargas! I want Mayweather! I want Mayorga! I want Spinks! I want Forrest! I even want Hopkins! We can work together to resolve your excuses, but I won't be able to help if you are afraid of losing. A.M. WBO Champ

By German V. @ The Mandalay Bay. Las Vegas, NV. --2-8-03

Margarito knocks all of the six heads out of Andrew Lewis in the second round after a slow start.
Andrew ''six heads'' Lewis had the better of the first round as he worked behind crisp combinations, a southpaw stance, making Margarito go backwards in while having trouble adjusting to the style and energy presented in the first round by Lewis. Margarito managed to land several good shots to the body throughout the round.
Round= Lewis.
The second started with Lewis getting backed up and starting to box a bit more without the same success as in the first round. Lewis seemed to be doing the better work until things changed in the mid-round as Margarito landed a straight right hand to Lewis head which sent him back against the ropes, a follow up right hand uppercut crushed unto Lewis chin, a ouple follow up shots, a giant left uppercut, another hard right hand with Lewis barely able to left his hands up in a futile attempt to defend himself. Margarito smelling the end stay right on top landing punches from every angle leaving the ref Joe Cortez no choice but to step in and stop the fight. Time of the stoppage was 2:30 of the 2nd round.

Margarito retaind the WBO Welterweight title for the second time and immediately calls for an unification fight vs the WBA/WBC Welter champion Ricardo Mayorga.- Mayorga is coming off a 2nd round stoppage of Vernon Forrest and also stopped Andrew Lewis in the fifth round for the WBA belt.

Margarito thanked everyone for their support including his wife, and promised to stay a champion for a long time to come.

Q & A

Boxingladiators- What do you think of your performance in light of Mayorga having gone 5 rounds with Lewis and you took him out in just two rounds?

Margarito- Well you can see the punch, and who had it. We knew he was hungry in this fight and would come full steam ahead wanting to be champion again but we were very ready for this fight and we knew we would win.

Boxingladiators- Lewis let his tongue go a lot before the fight. Did that throw you off in any way, affect you perhaps?

Margarito- I have fought in the past with fighters who talked to much, well I like to talk with my fists in the ring. With actions.

Boxingladiators- You do know you were behind the cards following in the first round, what do you think about that?

Margarito- I just had to warm up to the task.

----------------------------

Margarito Shows No Mercy Against "Six Heads" Lewis Cover story from Boxing times.com

Margarito wins the WBO Welterweight title with a 10 round stoppage of the tough Antonio Diaz.

Margarito Gets Back in Line
By Steve Kim (Nov 7, 2007)- maxboxing.com

Antonio Margarito Begins His Journey Back
Recommend this page Printable version Search BoxingScene Database

by Lem Satterfield - boxingscene.com

Margarito - Casamayor conference call

Boxing notes: Margarito, Calzaghe, and more
By Kevin Iole, - Yahoo! Sports - October 24, 2007

Their Only LA Open Media Workout
Antonio Margarito / Victor Ortiz -pound4pound.com

Margarito gets Golden shot on Mosley-Cotto card at the Garden

Photo and Article By German Villasenor (Oct 15, 2007)- MAXBOXING.COM

Antonio Margarito; “ I like to fight champions”
INTERVIEW By Gabriel Montoya (Oct 10, 2007) DoghouseBoxing

By German Villasenor.

WBO Welterweight champion, Antonio ''Tijuana Tornado'' Margarito and heavy weight Chris Arreola took part on Tuesday afternoon's public work out at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood California.

Margarito will be the headliner of July the 14th's HBO televised main event at the Home Depot Center in Carson California.

Photo: Marlene Marquez.

The champion took part in an open media workout in Plaza Mexico , Lynwood California on Tuesday afternoonalong with heavyweight Chris Arreola to help promote the explosive HBO televised July 14th fight card at the Home Depot in Carson California.

PRESS RELEASE: In a sun-soaked evening at Dodgers Stadium, WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito put his boxing gloves aside and stepped onto the mound to deliver the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves on Monday. Margarito, preparing for his July 14, 2007 showdown at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. against mandatory contender Paul Williams, posed for the cameras with Dodgers' All-Star pitcher Brad Penny and fan-favorite Nomar Garciaparra. Billed as "Pride N' Punishment," the Margarito-Williams title confrontation between arguably the hardest-punching, most bitter rivals in the 147-pound division is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and will be televised on HBO "World Championship Boxing."

Photo: Big Joe Miranda.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Morton's The Steakhouse, Burbank, California- WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (left) and unbeaten, No. 1-ranked Paul Williams square off as promoter Dan Goossen looks on after Tuesday's press conference at Morton's Steakhouse at Burbank, Calif.

In a highly anticipated match and can't miss candidate for Fight of the Year, Margarito will defend his 147-pound crown against Williams in the main event of "Pride N' Punishment'' on Saturday, July 14, in the outdoor tennis stadium at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Margarito-Williams 12-rounder, presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, will be televised on HBO "World Championship Boxing."

"The winner of this fight is the preeminent welterweight in the world -- and that includes (Miguel) Cotto or anyone else in the 147-pound division," Dan Goossen said.

Tickets for "Pride N' Punishment" are available for as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $300. Other tickets in the bowl are available at $50, $75 and $150 and are on sale at TicketMaster outlets and online at www.Ticketmaster.com, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Group tickets are available online at www.aegtickets.com or by calling 1-877-AEG-TICKETS. The first bout will begin at 5:30 p.m. PT.

WBO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTONIO MARGARITO WBO NO. 1 WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER PAUL WILLIAMS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES


ANTONIO MARGARITO

"A dog that barks doesn't bite."

(Regarding a sparring session with Williams a few years ago) "I don't understand what Williams is basing - rest see MARGARITO - WILLIAMS PRESSER.

All the Margarito vs Williams news you can handle.

Tickets for the July 14 clash between WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito and Paul Williams at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California will go on sale on Tuesday (May 29) at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Home Depot Center Box Office.

Seats are $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300. Other significant bouts on the card will feature 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (12-0, 7 KOs) in his first 10-round bout, and highly touted heavyweight Cristobal Arreola (20-0, 18 KOs).

Interview with Antonio Margarito, Paul Williams, Bob Arum and more - By Media Report (May 25, 2007)

Margarito-Williams to provide July Fireworks By Steve Kim (April 25, 2007) - MAXBOXING.COM

Will Margarito Make Mandatory?
By Steve Kim (Jan 10, 2007)- MAXBOXING.COM

MARGARITO VICTORIOUS AGAINST TOUGH CLOTTEY: EYES WILLIAMS / COTTO..read on the reports.

Cotto Walks Through Quintana!!!
Margarito Outpoints Clottey...

Story by Jason "J-Gon" Gonzalez, Rick Scharmberg and Kurt Wolfheimer - Fightnews.com

Margarito Says "I Do" To Paul Williams - Boxingscene.com

Cotto stops Clottey for WBA Welterweight Title, Margarito retains WBO Welterweight Title - Boxingladiators.com

Margarito Beats Clottey by UD Fightbeat.com

Mike Cassell, The Philadelphia Boxing Report - Atlantic City NJ

Cotto, Margarito Triumph - eastsideboxing.com

The Tijuana Intangible By Bart Barry - 15rounds.com

Tony working the speed bag.

As close as one wants to be with the champion aiming to punch.

Working on his vaunted left hook to the liver.

Further Proof that Floyd Mayweather Fears Margarito? - eastsideboxing.com

Boxing Quotes: Antonio Margarito - Joshua Clottey - saddoboxing.com

A 'Regular' Day in The Life of 'The Tijuana Tornado'

By German Villasenor

While in the East LA office of Sergio Diaz Jr., the co-manager of Antonio Margarito, a couple of weeks ago, in came the other half of the WBO welterweight champion’s management team, Francisco ''Pancho'' Espinoza, and he said that ESPN DEPORTES had asked to do a piece in Tijuana on what is a ''regular'' day in the life of the champion in his hometown is like, and were hitting Mexico.... To see the rest click MARGARITO/MAXBOXING

It’s Official: Margarito Takes on Clottey on December 2
Photo and Article by German Villasenor (Sep 13, 2006)

Margarito set for Showtime dateby Ralph Gonzalez Ring Bytes

Arum Reacts to Wright Proposal
By Steve Kim-maxboxing.com

CHAT TRANSCRIPT: ANTONIO MARGARITO BRINGS HEAT TO THE MAXCHATS!!!, ORIGINAL CHAT DATE: JULY 20TH

OK, Does Anyone Want to Weather the Tijuana Tornado?
By Steve Kim (July 7, 2006)

Margarito waits on Mayweather Jr.

by Ralph Gonzalez

Thursday Jun 22, 2006- You can’t blame WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (33-4, 24 KO’s) for wanting to make as much money as possible in a sport where the windows of big buck opportunities close as fast as they open. -REST.

Mayweather's 'Golden' itch stings Margarito

Mark Vester / BoxingScene.com


It was reported by boxing scribe Dan Rafael that IBF welterweight champion "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather has a "Golden" appetite.

Say it Ain’t So, Floyd
By Steve Kim (April 24, 2006)- MAXBOXING.COM

The Ball's in Mayweather's Court
By Steve Kim -maxboxing.com

OK, Floyd, First Zab, then Margarito, Right?
By Steve Kim- maxboxing.com

by Michael Katz - thesweetscience.com

by David A. Avila- thesweetscience.com

Margarito destroys Gomez in one.; Viloria, Calderon, Chavez Jr. notch wins.

All Photo: German Villasenor
By Francisco and German Vilasenor.

LAS VEGAS, February 18, 2006- WBO World welterweight champion Antonio ''Tony'' Margarito (33-4, 24 KOs) needed all but 1:14 seconds into the first round to dispose of long time top ten contender, and the man who hounded the WBO champion for years into a title shot in the hard nosed, hard hitting Manuel ''Shotgun'' Gomez (28-11-2, 20KOs) in the main event of the TOP RANK promoted PPV which took place at the Aladdin Resort and Casino, soon to be Planet Hollywood Casino.

Margarito made a strong statement that he is indeed THE world welterweight champion by stopping Gomez, a fighter in the vein of one Carlos Baldomir who handily defeated then, WBC/IBF/WBA Welterweight champion Zab Judah a few weeks ago.

The long and lanky Margarito revved up the engines early in the round, winding up with his non-stop attack from all angles, sending Gomez stumbling unto the ropes, with a follow up attack which sending his opponent down to the canvas, looking as he would not make it up, long time referee decided he had seen enough, electing to stop the battering at 1:14 of the round.

“I would love to be the man to give Mayweather his first loss,” said Margarito at the post presser after finding out that his promoter Bob Arum has made plans to get the Thomas and Mack Center on July 29th to host a superfight between Margarito and the winner of the April 8th fight between Judah vs Mayweather (which will have the IBF belt on the line)

Viloria decisions Aguirre.

A crowd of an announced 5,309 fans were also at hand to see the WBC Flyweight champion, ''The Hawaiian Punch'' Brian Viloria (19-0, 12 KOs) succesfully repel the former WBC Straweight champion Jose Antonio ''El Jaguar'' Aguirre (33-5-1, 20KOs) in a much too tougher than expected battle going the distance, with the filipino-hawaiian fighter getting the nod by 116-112 (twice) and 117-111, in a fight which seemed much more closer than the scores indicated.

Calderon schools (when doesn't he) Bustos.

Long time WBO Straweight champion Ivan ''Iron Boy'' Calderon (25-0, 5KOs) did as he was expected, as he easily schooled the agressive, but vastly ineffective, but tough former WBC Straweight counter part Isaac ''Tortas'' Bustos, who fell to 24-8-3, 13 KOs as the cards were read at the end of the one sided bout. (120-108 (twice) and 119-109.

Chavez avenges lone blemish.

Superlightweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. , now (24-0-1, 18KOs) won another fast paced six round battle against Uruapan, Michoacan's Mexico's Carlos Molina, (8-2-1, 4KOs) who by popular belief defeated Jr. A couple of months ago, though a draw was given in that one particular bout.
The scores read 58-56 (twice) and 57-57 for the majority decision.
Jr. seemed to left hand happy againts the e game and combination puncher in Molina, who seemed to come back with enough shots of his own after tasting Chavez's leather to endear the fans just enough in order to boo Jr. and applaud Molina after the decision was rendered.

The non- televised bout.

Superwelterweight, Armenian Vanes Martirosyan (7-0, 4KOs) stopped a much smaller, though valiant Juan Montes De Oca (6-9-2, 3KOs) at 1:21 of the second round.

Martirosyan had previously scored a knockdown in the first frame, which busted De Oca's nose, which bled profusely thereafter.

Welterweight Jesus Soto Karass (13-3-2, 10KOs) won a much too hard fight against a fighter who very game Fernando Mena (17-8-2, 15KOs) at the end of the scheduled eight round with scores of 78-74 (twice) and 77-75

Russia's Lightweight Almazbek “Kid Diamond” Raiymkulov moved to (21-1-1,13KOs) by winning a DQ decision against the foul/low blow happy Jose Quintana (12-11-2, 7KOs), at 1:43 of the third round.
The bout was Raiymkulov's first outing since tasting his lone defeat, a 10th round stoppage by the much more technically gifted Nate Campbell four months ago.

Margarito & "Moochie": The Expected and the Unexpected
By Doug Fischer (February 10, 2006)

Margarito’s Ready To Prove He’s The Best

02-1-06- WBO welterweight champ Antonio Margarito is going into his February 18 title defense an angry man, not so much at his challenger, Manuel “Shotgun” Gomez, but at recent comments made by Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. that the Tijuana native believes is dismissive of him and his ring accomplishments.

De La Hoya, who fights Ricardo Mayorga for the WBC 154-pound title on May 6, told Michael Hirsley of the Chicago Tribune that he plans to fight for the final
time in September of this year. He mentioned Mayweather and Winky Wright as possible opponents, adding that he wants to face “the best out there”.

“I’m disappointed that Oscar would not even mention my name,” said Margarito, who has held the WBO 147-pound
title since March of 2002. “Real boxing fans know that I’m the best fighter at welterweight and they know that I’m a more exciting fighter than both Mayweather and Wright. No disrespect to both of those boxers, but if Oscar wants to end his career with a bang and give fight fans a really good show in his last fight, then he should fight me instead of Mayweather or Wright.

“Oscar, if you’re not sure of who’s the best fighter out there, my managers will be happy to buy you a front-row ticket to my Feb. 18 fight and you’ll see for yourself. Don’t think for a second that what
happened to [Zab] Judah against [Carlos] Baldomir is going to happen to me with Gomez. ‘Shotgun’ is a dangerous fighter but I come prepared and ready to battle 12 rounds for every opponent. I’ll be ready for
Gomez and I’ll be ready to sign a contract to fight you immediately after the fight.

“Come on Oscar, let’s get it on for all the Mexican fight fans. Let’s do it for the Mexican fans that became yours when you beat Julio Cesar Chavez. You
were a popular fighter before you fought Chavez, but not with all of the Mexican fans. Chavez gave you the opportunity to fight a legend and to make your name.
Now I’m asking you, with all due respect, to give me a shot. I feel I’ve earned the opportunity and I’m more than willing to step up to 154 pounds to get it.”

Margarito, who sports a 32-4 (23) record and five defenses of his title, was also angered by recent comments made by Mayweather regarding a possible showdown between the two at 147 pounds.

According to some internet sources Mayweather claims that Margarito was offered to fight him on April 8 immediately after Zab Judah lost to Carlos Baldomir on Jan. 7, but the WBO champ’s management turned the fight down because of the Feb. 18 bout. While it’s
true Margarito was already locked into his Feb. 18 date, the fighter says no offer was ever made to him or to his management.

Mayweather has also contradicted himself in other statements made to various boxing websites, claiming that he was never offered a fight with Margarito
because “nobody knows who Margarito is” and “nobody wants to see that fight”. Margarito isn’t buying either line.

“Floyd, everybody who follows boxing knows who I am, I’m the guy you are scared to fight,” he said. “And the only person who doesn’t want to see us fight is you.”

Margarito and Castillo: Just a Fight Away from Fame- David Avila- MAXBOXING.COM

The End of Free TV in Boxing Seems Upon Us - The Neutral Corner Jason Probst- MAXBOXING.COM

Some Fighters to Watch at 147 - DAVID AVILA - MAXBOXING.COM

Margarito-Gomez heats up!

By Victor Perea- fightnews.com

FROM MAXBOXING.COM- Photo and Article by German Villasenor (December 18, 2005)

After speaking to Top Rank and finalizing certain details, Sergio Diaz Jr. - who manages Antonio Margarito, the WBO welterweight champion and number one or two (depending on whom you ask) welterweight in the world - has confirmed that his charge will defend his crown against Manuel ''Shotgun'' Gomez in the featured fight on the Top Rank promoted "Real Warriors" Pay-Per-View card on Saturday, February 18th at the Aladdin Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Margarito - Gomez was a fight originally scheduled as the co-feature to the Vitali Klitschko - Hasim Rahman bout, but that show fell apart after Klitschko pulled out due to an injury and subsequently retired from the sport.

''We have been working hard to get Margarito back in the ring, seeing how all of the fighters we have targeted are avoiding him - with Mosley fighting Vargas, Mayorga and De La Hoya now fighting each other, and Mayweather not wanting anything to do with Tony," said Diaz. "But we managed to land the main event on February 18th.''

''Getting past Gomez is imperative," continued Diaz, "as Top Rank has told us a .. Margarito headlines Pay-Per-View Show on February 18th

The Wait Lengthens for Margarito
When 'Brittle-ly' damaged his knee, he didn't just hobble himself, but also fighters like Margarito. - Steve Kim

From MAXBOXING.

Margarito stops Lujan in ten; keeps Cintron PPV alive!

Photo: German Villasenor.

Fight Comments? e-mail ultragerman@yahoo.com

Boxingladiators.com report

Margarito Stops Lujan, Sets Up April Bout with Cintron
MaxBoxing Report

Fight stopped by ringside doctor

Photo - German Villasenor.

7-29-04- The manager Sergio Diaz has informed us that his charge, the WBO Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito has inked a new deal with his current Promoter Bob Arum
and Top Rank Inc. Antonio Margarito's manager also mentioned that Top Rank Inc. is the right Promoter for his fighter.

"Top Rank has a lot of plans for Antonio, but we have to get through Santos first".

Margarito challenges former foe Daniel Santos on September 11 in Puerto Rico for the 154 lb. WBO belt.

Antonio mentioned he is happy that Top Rank has big plans for him and does not plan to let them down.

"I will win that title on September 11 for myself, my family, my team,and my promoter. Then I will work to become the next marquee fighter in TopRank's stable. September 11 is also a day remembrance, I will dedicate this fight to all families who lost their love ones in New York."

Margarito mightier than Hercules.
Stops Kyvelos in two rounds.

Rafael Marquez makes it a double whammy by blowing out Frissina in two also.

HBO /TOP RANK / DKP results from the Dodge Theater, Phoeniz AZ by German Villasenor @ ringside.
Photo- German Villasenor.

The WBO welterweight champion, the Mexican Antonio ''Tony'' Margarito needed only two rounds to destroyed the formerly undefeated Canadian Champion Hercules Kyvelos in the main event of the HBO televised fight card.

In front of a 4,200 loud fans, the defending champion Margarito (30-3-22 ko's) has made it three fights (KO over Andrew ''Six heads'' Lewis in 2, Danny Perez UD in 12, Maurice Brantley in 2 and Kyvelos in 2) that he needed to stop his opponents since .... rest click HERE