18.08.06 – By Mark Pickering: I recently had the opportunity to catch up with WBO world Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito. The California native, universally recognised as the most feared man in the sweet science, openly discussed his future and ambitions for the remainder of 2006.
MP: Hey champ, how are you doing?
AM: Everything is great, I just got back from a nice vacation and looking forward to get back in the ring.
MP: How does it feel to be the most feared man in boxing?
AM: Great and not too great. I’m trying to get the big fights, but because of the fear that these fighters have, it’s becoming difficult to get them in the ring with me.
MP: While being a humbling experience it must also be a great source of frustration.
AM: Not only am I the most feared, but you hit it on the dot, I am also the most frustrated. I’m having to wait and wait. It’s very difficult to look forward when you don’t if there’s anything out there..
MP: Where do you find motivation at this stage?
AM: My team, and my wife. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by confident, motivated, and positive people. The future is bright, great things come to those who are patient.
MP: Whom do you view as your biggest threat?
AM: Time, only time.
MP: Do you have any words for those who are fearful of facing you?
AM: High risk, but definitely high reward. My promoter is paying the money, now I need someone to dance with me.
MP: How do you respond to critics who question your place alongside the likes of Pretty Boy Floyd in the welterweight division?
AM: That has nothing to do with us fighting. But the excuses they give why Mayweather should not fight me, should be the reasons for him to fight me.
MP: Forgetting all the media conjecture, leave out the promoters red tape and all, whom do you want to face and why?
AM: Oscar De La Hoya! It won’t be because of the money,since he’ll be taking it all. It’s personal, It’s time Oscar fights someone who is at his prime. He needs to stop handpicking his opponents and really give the fans a fight that is worth paying for.
MP: And realistically whom do you see yourself facing next?
AM: I don’t know, my promoter says who, when, and where I’m fighting next. I’m currently looking at a list of five possible opponents I’ll be choosing from.
MP: Three-time World Champion Jose Antonio Rivera has called you out and you’ve accepted his challenge in theory. Has Don King and El Gallo’s camp followed this up?
AM: No they haven’t. King did call Bob, but it wasn’t about Rivera.
MP: Being so anxious to return to action would you consider moving up to middleweight?
AM: I don’t think I will. I’m a natural welterweight, I have no problems making the weight.
MP: What are your ambitions for the remainder of the year and where do you see yourself twelve months from now?
AM: My ambitions are to continue fighting and continue winning. It is very difficult to look forward to the future. I don’t know where I’ll be twelve months from now. At one time I would look forward, but I kept getting dissapointed. I’m hoping to get the opportunity thats been avoiding me for so long. I believe I deserve it, and once it’s arrives, I will take full advantage of it.
MP: Any comments for your fans in closing.
AM: I want to thank all my fans for the support. Its been a long road, but we’ll get there, and once we do, I promise to make you proud.
MP: Thanks for your time and best of luck in the future.
AM: Thank you very much.