TalkingBoxing Articles
Shotgun Goes Off but Margarito Fires First
TUE February 21, JERRY CASAREZ - Saturday night the Aladdin hotel and casino of Las Vegas played host to Top Rank's "Real Warriors". With a crowd of over 5000 that filled the Performing Arts center Antonio "Tony" Margarito (33-4) delivered on his promise that he would KO Manual "Shotgun" Gomez (28-11-2). In the first round of the scheduled 12 rounder, Margarito was able to engage Gomez into a slugfest and just under a minute of the first landed a viscous 3 punch combination that sent Gomez down for good.
Margarito would retain his WBO Welterweight title but not without controversy. Before referee Richard Steele could complete his count Gomez would rise to his feet to find out that the fight had been stopped. Nobody could argue the stoppage by the way Gomez hit the canvas with great force. Gomez however would feel that this came too soon and pushed Steele once he came to his feet. As many tried to explain to him what had just occurred he would take his frustrations out on all that surrounded him.
For a minute I thought that I may be witness to the scene of what was similar to the aftermath of Zab Judah vs. Kostya Tszyu post fight debacle. Well thankfully no head locks were applied as Nevada officials were able to calm Gomez and avoid a ruckus.
For Margarito this was a very important victory that not only marked another defense of his title but kept hope alive for a possible showdown with the winner of the Zab Judah vs. Floyd Mayweather fight which takes place April 8th.
For years Margarito has been ignored by the stars of the division but tonight he would stake his claim as to why he was the man to beat. While Mayweather hadn't entertained the thought of a fight with Margarito in the past, his team would take notice as his uncle/trainer Roger Mayweather and conditioning coach Leonard Ellerbe would be ringside scouting the action. They would also attend the post fight presser where things would get heated as both teams took jabs at each other.
As Margarito thanked everyone present for their continued support he would also make it clear that he would like nothing more than to meet Floyd Mayweather next. This would catch the attention of Roger Mayweather who made his way to the podium and stated " the fight only makes sense if it makes money," "Okay, this guy just scored a knockout over who? Margarito would take this in stride and add that like Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez who twice defeated Roger Mayweather by KO, hisnephew Floyd would meet the same fate if he is to step in the ring with him.
So how much closer are we to a fight this week than last? Well I learned in speaking with Bob Arum that he has reserved the Thomas & Mack center for a potential date of July 29th. This is the type of fight that draws the interest of many fans. From the hardcore to the casual fan. Why you say? Well while most casual fans may know who Floyd is, those in attendance Saturday night made it known that Margarito has a following. If less deserving fighters have been allowed the opportunity to fight Mayweather why not Tony who seems as ready as ever to stake his claim.
Viloria hangs tough for 12 and defends his Title
Brian Viloria was successful in defending his WBC light flyweight title for the first time with a unanimous decision over former champion Jose Antonio Aguirre .For Viloria (19-0, 12 KOs) this would be his first title defense since winning his title from Eric Ortiz in September. Scores of 116-112 twice and 117-111 would not tell the story of how close this fight really was. Viloria who many believed would make easy work of Aguirre (33-5-1), who had lost 2 straight fights at 108 pounds before Saturday night including a previous knockout loss to the same Ortiz that Viloria had defeated would see himself in trouble a couple of times before firing back his own punches. This proved to be the stiffest fight of his young career. Viloria would later say "These are the fights you learn from". And right he is that this can only prepare him for the big fights that await him.
WBO minimumweight champion Ivan Calderon (25-0) remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision over former WBC champ Isaac Bustos (24-8-3). For Calderon the win opens the possibility of a future date with Brian Viloria.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (24-0-1) avenged his only blemish of a draw with a majority decision over Carlos Molina (8-2-1) in a jr. welterweight bout. Julio would work Molina's body with left hooks that would create openings for shots to the head. The fight was only a six rounder but Julio expressed interest in fighting 10 round fights as he feels he is ready and that the extra rounds play to his advantage. At the end of the fight it was clear that Chavez Jr was breaking his man down and that if this was a 10 round fight it would only help his style.
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