Tweet
The man many consider as the best welterweight and most feared man in the sport didn’t have the opportunity to begin his steller career with cherry picked opposition. Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito began his career at the age of fifteen with a four round undisputed decision over winless Jose Trujillo in 1994. Over the next five fights Margarito would see good fortune in the ring until taking his first loss to one loss Victor Lozoya. Over Margarito’s next six fights he would drop two by decision. He then went on a twenty one fight win streak with fifteen coming by way of knockout before dropping a razor close technical decision to Daniel Santos at 154lbs for the WBO light middleweight strap.
Unlike many of Margarito’s peers in the elementary stages of his career he had no big time promoter, no lengthy amateur background, and no private sponsorship. He was simply a tough kid from the mean streets of Tijuana, Bala California, Mexico with a purpose of survival. While a great motivator that may have been it doesn’t guarantee skill and success in the ring. Just ask Edison Miranda who has suffered knock out losses in two of his last four fights.
Had Margarito had these advantages it is very conceivable that he would be an undefeated fighter today. Not only by having better technical skills but also the luxury of picking and choosing opponents as many fighter’s managers do for them today. Paul Williams an obvious bad choice should have been avoided for a bigger fight and payday last year against Miguel Cotto. While Margarito is respected for taking that fight it was a bad business decision as it cost him a shot at Cotto in ’07 and a year of “recovery” time.
Nonetheless Margarito is where he stood be standing with the elite of the welterweight division. The only fight that makes sense for him from a fan’s prospective is attempt to avenge his latest lost to Williams. However I doubt that’s a fight his team will demand and for good reason. Margarito has better long term options with fighters such as Shane Mosley, the Clottey v. Judah winner or a rematch with Miguel Cotto. All fights he would be favored in and stand to gain more financially as well.
Unlike many of Margarito’s peers in the elementary stages of his career he had no big time promoter, no lengthy amateur background, and no private sponsorship. He was simply a tough kid from the mean streets of Tijuana, Bala California, Mexico with a purpose of survival. While a great motivator that may have been it doesn’t guarantee skill and success in the ring. Just ask Edison Miranda who has suffered knock out losses in two of his last four fights.
Had Margarito had these advantages it is very conceivable that he would be an undefeated fighter today. Not only by having better technical skills but also the luxury of picking and choosing opponents as many fighter’s managers do for them today. Paul Williams an obvious bad choice should have been avoided for a bigger fight and payday last year against Miguel Cotto. While Margarito is respected for taking that fight it was a bad business decision as it cost him a shot at Cotto in ’07 and a year of “recovery” time.
Nonetheless Margarito is where he stood be standing with the elite of the welterweight division. The only fight that makes sense for him from a fan’s prospective is attempt to avenge his latest lost to Williams. However I doubt that’s a fight his team will demand and for good reason. Margarito has better long term options with fighters such as Shane Mosley, the Clottey v. Judah winner or a rematch with Miguel Cotto. All fights he would be favored in and stand to gain more financially as well.
Comment