The 1-2 Punch: Antonio Margarito Interview

Antonio Margarito, one of the best pound for pound boxers on the planet, recently spoke with Scott Dryden of The 1-2 Punch. Since the time of the interview rumors are circulating that Margarito will fight Sugar Shane Mosely. Margarito holds a career record of 37-5.

1-2- How did you get started in boxing?  Who was your role model?

AM- My father took me to a boxing event in Tijuana, Mex., he saw how excited my brother and I were to be watching fights and he asked us if we wanted to box. My brother and I said yes, so he took us to the local gym. My role model was Julio Cesar Chavez.

1-2- You are coming off one of if not the biggest victories of your career over Miguel Cotto.  The win has brought you even more fame, has this changed your life in any manner

AM- No not at all. I'm still that humble person I've always been. The only thing that has changed is the recognition I receive from the fans. It has grown tremendously.

1-2- Describe your training camp for the Miguel Cotto fight?  Was your preparation any different for Cotto than previous bouts?

AM- My preparations have always been the same. Once I begin camp, I dedicate myself to my training. The only thing that ever changes, are the sparring partners. Other than that, my training routines are the same.  

1-2- Many consider you the best pound for pound fighter in the world.  What is your opinion on those types of rankings?  Do you consider yourself in the prime of your career?

AM - I do consider myself as one of the best pound for pound, as to where in the rankings, I'll leave that up to the boxing fans to decide. I do consider myself to be in my prime. I'm thirty years old, but I'm a clean thirty year old. I live a simple life on the slow lane. I'm married and we only have a handful of friends. I don't drink or smoke. If we go out, it's to the movie theatres, dinner, or Starbucks, I'm a big fan of Starbucks. 

1-2 - I'm sure you have been asked this question many times.  De La Hoya was rumored as a possible opponent for you but he is fighting Manny Pacquiao in December.  This bout could in fact be De La Hoya's swan song.  Who is your pick in this fight

AM - It has been rumored that I am one of many Mexicans who are picking Pacquiao to win. But, for the record, I am not picking Pacquiao to win this fight. Oscar is too big, still has some quickness and has too much to lose. A loss will be a disaster for him. This is not to say that a Pacquiao win won't put a smile on my face.

1-2 - You fight in the Welterweight division (147 lbs).  What are the maximum and minimum weights you would fight at?

AM - Minimum weight is 147 and the max weight would be 154.

1-2 - A super fight between yourself and Floyd Mayweather Jr. almost occurred some time back. Mayweather is considered by most to be the best pound for pound fighter in the world but he reportedly backed out.  What is your opinion of Floyd as a person and a boxer?  Would you still fight him today if he would accept?  If so, what would be the outcome?

AM - I don't have an opinion about Floyd. He never crosses my mind. I would fight Floyd if the opportunity presented itself, but I doubt it ever will. A victory for the "Tornado".

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1-2 - Excluding yourself, who is the best fighter in the sport?

AM - Ivan Calderon

1-2 - MMA (mixed martial arts) has been a focal point in the media and many have stated boxing is now dead.  What are your thoughts on MMA and the state of boxing.

AM - I've seen MMA once or twice, but I'm not a fan. In Mexico, boxing is stronger than ever. In Europe, arenas are filled to their capacities, and in Asia, it continues to attract its audiences. But, in the U.S. it is showing that the fans are being turned away. I really believe that the promoters have a lot to do with this. Fighters who should have retired long ago are continued to be recycled. These fighters are continually showcased in terrible fights on networks that should be focusing on the future of boxing. The Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wrights, Roy Jones, and De La Hoya's need to hang up the gloves. The networks need to focus on the Margaritos, Pavliks, Cottos, and so on to bring back the attention that boxing deserves.

1-2 - Thanks Antonio, one final question.  If you could bring one fighter back in his prime to fight you in a dream bout, who would that be?

AM - Oscar De La Hoya.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer