Last Week in Boxing: The Antonio Margarito Circus Rolls On
Last Week in Boxing: The Antonio Margarito Circus Rolls On
Saturday night in Rosarito, Mexico, a once proud and beloved warrior raised his glove in triumph. The crowd cheered. He was handed a title belt and a mariac
Saturday night in Rosarito, Mexico, a once proud and beloved warrior raised his glove in triumph. The crowd cheered. He was handed a title belt and a mariachi band began to play. In the crowd, the biggest drawing card in the world sat in the audience, watching his older brother fall short. That Canelo might seek revenge, potentially setting up a future contest, was lost on no one.
For Antonio Margarito (40-8), counted out of serious contention years ago and driven away from boxing by political pressure, this is a scene that was impossible to imagine even last year. But his nationally televised win over Ramon Alvarez (23-5-2) in a fairly competitive and entertaining bout has opened many doors. Some would contend that they should remain closed.
This was certainly not prime Margarito in the ring: He didn't throw with the tremendous volume that made him famous and he'll never again be one of the most devastating fighters in the world. Alvarez was able to move somewhat effectively in the first couple rounds of the fight, but he didn't nearly have enough in his legs to dance for a full 10. Margarito eventually walked his man down and landed hard shots. An off balance knockdown in the 9th virtually sealed the fight on two cards (a third unexpectedly read for Alvarez).
Still, Margarito has some things most boxers lack--he has a name, a narrative and a ranking that could land him in the ring with a certain Canelo Alvarez, Ramon's brother. Those are all good things. But it's impossible to think of Margarito without thinking of the eye that forced his retirement in the first place.
His permanently raised eyebrow was considered far too dangerous to ever allow for licensing again. Those niceties don't apply in Mexico and Canelo may desire a fight south of the border for his fans. Margarito would be a sure fire ticket seller. The circus, as it were, rolls ever on.
Notes
-ESPN's contractual obligations to Premier Boxing Champions were closed out with a reasonably decent fight card featuring two 20-0 boxers. One came in as a late replacement and will likely regret the decision: Jamal James entered the ring with less than 30 days rest after his last fight and wound up losing to Cuban Yordenis Ugas on the broadcast opener.
Main eventing was a competitive scrap between undefeated Miguel Flores and the 25-1 Ryan Kielczweski. Both men had their moments and were willing to exchange in the pocket, but it was Flores with the cleaner and harder blows, winning the decision.
For Antonio Margarito (40-8), counted out of serious contention years ago and driven away from boxing by political pressure, this is a scene that was impossible to imagine even last year. But his nationally televised win over Ramon Alvarez (23-5-2) in a fairly competitive and entertaining bout has opened many doors. Some would contend that they should remain closed.
This was certainly not prime Margarito in the ring: He didn't throw with the tremendous volume that made him famous and he'll never again be one of the most devastating fighters in the world. Alvarez was able to move somewhat effectively in the first couple rounds of the fight, but he didn't nearly have enough in his legs to dance for a full 10. Margarito eventually walked his man down and landed hard shots. An off balance knockdown in the 9th virtually sealed the fight on two cards (a third unexpectedly read for Alvarez).
Still, Margarito has some things most boxers lack--he has a name, a narrative and a ranking that could land him in the ring with a certain Canelo Alvarez, Ramon's brother. Those are all good things. But it's impossible to think of Margarito without thinking of the eye that forced his retirement in the first place.
His permanently raised eyebrow was considered far too dangerous to ever allow for licensing again. Those niceties don't apply in Mexico and Canelo may desire a fight south of the border for his fans. Margarito would be a sure fire ticket seller. The circus, as it were, rolls ever on.
Notes
-ESPN's contractual obligations to Premier Boxing Champions were closed out with a reasonably decent fight card featuring two 20-0 boxers. One came in as a late replacement and will likely regret the decision: Jamal James entered the ring with less than 30 days rest after his last fight and wound up losing to Cuban Yordenis Ugas on the broadcast opener.
Main eventing was a competitive scrap between undefeated Miguel Flores and the 25-1 Ryan Kielczweski. Both men had their moments and were willing to exchange in the pocket, but it was Flores with the cleaner and harder blows, winning the decision.