by James Slater – In slightly depressing news, it seems welterweight champion Antonio Margarito will not be having another fight this year. Originally, BoxRec had “Tony” scheduled for a November 1st fight, more than likely against new IBF champ and former victim Joshua Clottey. But now Margarito’s name has been removed from the November show, which looks like it will still go ahead with Julio Cesar Chavesz’s rematch with Matt Vanda now topping the bill.
There is no word yet about Margarito’s next bout, but more and more it’s looking like it will not take place until early next year. Just why the Clottey rematch fell apart, at least for the November date, is unclear. Clottey, for his part, was willing and ready to take the return bout – convinced as he was that only damaged hands led to his 2006 points loss to the Mexican warrior.
Going from July of this year to, say, January or February of next year without any action will be quite a layoff for the 30-year-old “Tijuana Tornado.” And after the way in which he took care of the previously unbeaten and all-conquering Miguel Cotto in his last fight, boxing fans are very anxious to see more of the incredibly good value for money battler. Indeed, some fight fans will be suffering withdrawal symptoms if the all-action Mexican does actually remain idle for the rest of 2008.
Saying that, Margarito has achieved plenty already this year – what with his smashing rematch win over the huge-punching Kermit Cintron in April and his upset win over Cotto in July – and as such, “Tony” is entitled to a few months of rest until he laces the gloves up again. Rest assured, even if 2008 sees no more ring activity from the 37-5(27) WBA welterweight king and pound-for-pound standout, there are a whole lot more fights in the rock-headed Mexican yet.
As hungry as ever, if not more so, Margarito figures to almost certainly have a great and exciting 2009. Hopefully, after he’s had a few months in which he can relax a little, Margarito will meet up with the only two men he really needs to face at 147-pounds, in Clottey and Paul Williams. Both rematches would be superb encounters and they surely have to happen.
There are more sure-fire sell out and fan-friendly bouts to come from Margarito, and his many fans will be cheering their hero’s name when he provides them – it’s just a shame that this doesn’t look like being until next year.