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Antonio Margarito Montiel, fighting as Antonio “Tony” Margarito, is a 29 year old, 5’11” welterweight fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, with a ring record of 35-5, 25 KO‘s. In November of 2007, Tony was crowned WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Champion with a first round TKO over Golden Johnson. He was the WBO Welterweight World Champion until losing his title in a close decision to Paul “The Punisher” Williams, on July 14, 2007, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Tony had a brief amateur career, posting a record of 18-3 before turning professional. There was a financial need that prompted an end to his amateur status. This was a good decision, as he has proven to be an outstanding pro, winning championships and being universally accepted as one of the elite of boxing. On, April 23 of 2005, Margarito retained his WBO Welterweight Title against previously unbeaten, power puncher, and current IBF Kingpin, Kermit Cintron, dropping him four times before scoring a fifth round knockout. He disputes his loss of his title to Williams, noting that he landed the heavier punches and deserved the win.
Regardless, Margarito is a championship caliber fighter and intends on proving that in upcoming fights against anyone and everyone chosen as his opponent. Sergio Diaz has been Tony’s manager for quite awhile and their relationship is both cohesive and powerful. Sergio was kind enough to act as the interpreter for this interview.
DH: How did you began boxing and at what age?
I was about nine years old when I told my father I wanted to box. This was after my father took my brother and myself to attend an event where Jorge Paez was fighting. I really liked how people cheered for him and I was amazed how the crowd surrounded him.
DH: How did you connect with your management and training team?
My former trainer approached Francisco Espinosa, who at that time was managing my trainer’s cousin, and asked him would be interested in me. He said yes and we began working together. Although Sergio and Francisco were involved with the same fighters, Sergio had no involvement with management. Sergio would help whenever needed, but had no say in decisions until after my loss to Rodney Jones. That’s when he came on board as my co-manager and we’re going on twelve years now.
DH: Who was your most difficult opponent and why?
I have to say Joshua Clottey. Clottey is a very strong fighter. Although I went into the fight with a long layoff and two different injuries, Clottey was one tough guy. I would land solid shots and I would tell myself: “Ok, he’ll be going out soon,” but he would keep coming! Many people probably expect me to say Paul Williams because of his height and stance, but it is not so. I let Paul Williams beat me...I waited too long to begin fighting.
DH: Who do you want to fight most?
I’ll fight anyone...any of the top fighters. I’ve never had the luxury of picking my opponents. I am told who, when, and where. But, if I were to find a genie in a bottle who would give me three wishes, I would wish to fight, Miguel Cotto, then Oscar De La Hoya, then Floyd Mayweather, JR.
DH: What motivates you to keep going once you're hit hard?
The challenge! I took one of yours, now you can take ten of mine. You better, because here they come!
DH: How much does heart count in coming out victorious?
Not too much. Intelligence and preparation is what counts. Heart comes to play when you are down and out, when the going gets tough and you have to reach deep inside and give everything you have left. A life or death situation.
DH: What are your future plans?
I am a natural welterweight. There are no plans to move up unless there is an opportunity I can’t turn down. The plan is to stay busy, Top Rank, my promotional team, has already mentioned that I will fight in March.
DH: Do you have any plans for after boxing?
I still see myself fighting for another three to four years, maybe longer. I compare myself to Bernard Hopkins. I live a clean life, I don’t smoke or drink, I live happily with my wonderful wife, and I’m dedicated to my job. I have thought about what I’d do after boxing, but it’s difficult to say at this time.
DH: Who are the most influential people in your life?
I have to say my wife, trainer, and management. These are the people I trust and lean to for advice.
DH: Is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to thank you and all my fans for the support. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be the person I am, and for this, I will continue to train hard and continue to strive to become the best at what I do.
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