Margarito, 15 round fighter?

It is fairly apparent to me that Margarito, a swarmer slightly lacking in power (but still able to win by accumulation stoppages) would have been much better served in the 15 round era. Tonight's fight went down to the end (11th round), and if it had finished Margarito would likely have lost on points. Against Cotto in a 15 round fight I believe that regardless of tactics the ending would have been unambiguous in favor of Margarito via stoppage, or even points via winning the championship rounds. Once again the marked disadvantage slow starters (and not just swarmers) face in the contemporary era of boxing has appeared on display. Unfortunately for Margarito, the remaining name at the top of the division is a similar volume-type fighter, and one he has proven capable of losing to previously. Although Williams obviously comes second in terms of power (a moot point against Margarito in any case), he is somewhat more technically skilled, and I see the rematch following a similar pattern with Williams edging a close decision (although perhaps the experience gained from the first fight and the confidence boost from tonight's win will elevate Margarito just enough to edge out a win).

Comments (10)

Miburo

Speed from punches doesn't come from natural abilities as much as that comes from training at an early age. Any fighter who was destined for greatness, so to speak, because they started at such an early age and trained hard are those that posses the hand speed. The track records don't lie. Reflexes are somewhat of another story, ala RJJ and whatnot though. Speed can be developed like most anything else, but it will peak based on inherent genetic potential (similar to power - technique and muscle mass can be added to maximize it, but it can't be increased beyond a certain point)

17y ago

Dirt_E_Gomez

Again, I wouldn't count it against him. Past greats like Marciano were of the same mold in terms of heart, toughness, and stamina, although Marciano possessed more power and a somewhat subtler defense for that style. In terms of stamina though, you may be right to credit it more to genetics than conditioning, but a similar accusation could be made against speed-based fighters, who are often the most technically skilled due to building their style around this natural attribute. Speed from punches doesn't come from natural abilities as much as that comes from training at an early age. Any fighter who was destined for greatness, so to speak, because they started at such an early age and trained hard are those that posses the hand speed. The track records don't lie. Reflexes are somewhat of another story, ala RJJ and whatnot though.

17y ago

Miburo

I don't feel like sifting through 100+ threads... what were they? I had it 8-2 or 7-3, as I messed up my scorecard in the first 3 rounds so I don't remember if I gave one to Marg or not. It's not pretty to watch, which is why I don't like it. I see a guy who, other than his natural gifts, has no business fighting for any sort of championship in the ring... and it offends me. Maybe it's why I've always had a soft spot for guys like Ruiz, who have absolutely no physical gifts and still manage to get by. Again, I wouldn't count it against him. Past greats like Marciano were of the same mold in terms of heart, toughness, and stamina, although Marciano possessed more power and a somewhat subtler defense for that style. In terms of stamina though, you may be right to credit it more to genetics than conditioning, but a similar accusation could be made against speed-based fighters, who are often the most technically skilled due to building their style around this natural attribute.

17y ago

Dirt_E_Gomez

He isn't pretty to watch, that's for sure, but he can't be penalized for it - he's making the best use he can of the tools he has. Incidentally I just read the report of the scorecards which I found quite ludicrous. Personally I had it 6-3 with one even favoring Cotto going into the 11th, but as we've frequently seen in Vegas judges weight forward movement irrationally. I don't feel like sifting through 100+ threads... what were they? I had it 8-2 or 7-3, as I messed up my scorecard in the first 3 rounds so I don't remember if I gave one to Marg or not. It's not pretty to watch, which is why I don't like it. I see a guy who, other than his natural gifts, has no business fighting for any sort of championship in the ring... and it offends me. Maybe it's why I've always had a soft spot for guys like Ruiz, who have absolutely no physical gifts and still manage to get by.

17y ago

m00ks

Most definately. He already throws 15 rounds worth of punches in his fights.

17y ago

MANGLER

Tony brings the heat all night. He don't smoke guys wit 1 shot at a time. He could fight 15 rd fights if they were still around. Odd cuz he's big for his weight class, but he's got endurance like a mothafucka.

17y ago

Miburo

Judging by this and past performances I'd say he was blessed with a very high VO2 max... along with his ridiculous jaw. I dislike him as a fighter because the only reason he gets the W is from luck of the draw from the gene pool. He isn't pretty to watch, that's for sure, but he can't be penalized for it - he's making the best use he can of the tools he has. If fights were 15 rounds his stamina and toughness would be even more of a factor, and just as legitimate as others in boxing. Incidentally I just read the report of the scorecards which I found quite ludicrous. Personally I had it 6-3 with one even favoring Cotto going into the 11th, but as we've frequently seen in Vegas judges weight forward movement irrationally.

17y ago

Silencers

I was thinking this during the fight as well, Margarito has the characteristics of a 15 round fighter.

17y ago

Dirt_E_Gomez

17y ago

Miburo

A bump to facilitate some discussion...

17y ago