ARLINGTON, Texas –Generally, boxing weigh-ins are much ado about nothing. Bulging muscles and stare-downs rarely win fights.
There was a turning point on July 26, 2008 — a subtle change in momentum that was a precursor of the brutality that would follow.
Antonio Margarito began to assert himself on Miguel Cotto at the midway point.
It wasn’t so much punching power as it was physics — at 5-foot-11, Margarito was just bigger than his 5-8 opponent, even if the scales indicated that they both weighed 147 pounds. And then he was using his naturally bigger frame to his advantage — punching downward with maximum leverage.
The fight ended four rounds later. It was as much a victory for size as substance.
Which is why many think 5-foot-6 Manny Pacquiao’s rocket ride to superstardom may come to an end when he meets Margarito — that same 5-11 menace that ran Cotto out of the ring — when they meet for the vacant WBC super welterweight title at Cowboys Stadium.
Impending disaster?
Of course, there’s more to boxing than height. There’s speed and power, and Pacquiao has both in abundance.
Despite moving up a staggering seven weight divisions from his original 107 pounds, the newly-elected Filipino Congressman Pacquiao has managed to overpower guys twice his size.
When Pacquiao forced Oscar De La Hoya to quit boxing after eight rounds on Dec. 6, 2008, jaws dropped and the sport changed.
Since then, Pacquiao has beaten Ricky Hatton (KO 2), Cotto (TKO 12)
Joshua Clottey (W 12) in one of the greatest runs in boxing history.
Against Margarito, Pacquiao will be going for his eighth world title — a record.
But there are signs of cracks in the armor.
Pacquiao reportedly interrupted a recent sparring session to take a call from the Filipino President. He has had to cut back his regimen for several public appearances.
And he has been suffering from a painful heel injury.
Combine that with Margarito’s experience, power — and size — and you may just have the recipe for a Texas-sized upset.
There are too many question marks to pick Margarito. But he’s got a solid shot.
Pacquiao by split decision.
A tough call
Historically, some guys just have failed to match up — look how easy Thomas Hearns flattened Roberto Duran in 1984.
Will the same be true with Pacquiao and Margarito?
Of course, this is assuming this is the 2008 Margarito — not the version that was annihilated by Shane Mosley in 2009 and subsequently, allegedly found to be a cheater.
Margarito is ready to prove his detractors wrong. This is it for him. Juxtapose that with Pacquiao, who is, at the least, distracted.
There are too many question marks to pick Margarito. But he’s got a solid shot.
Pacquiao by split decision.
Matthew Aguilar may be reached at [email protected]
