Friday’s magical number was 154 pounds as several of boxing’s top junior middleweights took to the scales trying to make weight for their upcoming fights on Saturday night. Antonio Margarito makes his return after a year-long suspension to take on Roberto Garcia in Aquascalientes, Mexico. At almost the same time, Paul Williams will take on Kermit Cintron in a heavy hitting contest in southern California. Margarito vs. Garcia Antonio Margarito came in at 154 pounds and looked in great shape. Margarito was exuding with confidence and excitement to devour Garcia on his way back to title contention. Garcia, who’s looking to make a name for himself at the expense of Margarito, tipped the scales at 153 pounds. Appropriately titled ‘Latin Fury 14’, this fight between Margarito and Garcia should prove to be solid but quick in my opinion. I don’t see this fight going past 6 or 7 rounds. I believe that Margarito will catch Garcia making a mistake as Roberto looks to storm out of the corner at the beginning of the fight. Antonio’s been training for a year to fight someone and I believe his skills are too much for Garcia. When polling local boxing fans, the results were heavily in favor of Antonio. 100% of the votes were for Margarito. John S Sacramento, CA “Margarito wins with or without plastered hand wraps.” Dillon A Rosemont, CA “I’ve never even heard of Roberto Garcia. He must be a glorified sparring partner. Margarito in a 1st round KO.” Aaron F Rancho Cordova, CA “Margarito wins by KO in the 5th.”
Williams vs. Cintron Paul Williams towered over his opponent Kermit Cintron during their weigh-ins. Williams came in at 152.5 pound giving up 1 1/2 pounds to CIntron who weighed in at the 154 pound limit. What WIlliams is giving up in weight he makes up for in height and reach. Dubbed “The Weight is Over”, should Williams come out with an impressive win his name will move to the top of the list in 2 weight classes and numerous champions. I think it’s Paul’s time to breakthrough as a superstar and he stops Cintron in the 10th round. Local boxing fans were gave Cintron a little more of chance than they gave Garcia against Margarito. 75%, of those polled, were in favor of Williams winning. Bobby T Sacramento, CA “Paul will “Punish” Cintron” Philip R Roseville, CA “The Punisher all the way.” Eddie L Sacramento, CA “Cintron is a hard hitter but Paul will showcase his talents in a career defining victory.”
Conclusion I believe both fights will provide solid action on Saturday night. The return of Margarito and the breakout of Paul Williams are compelling storylines. Williams has already thrown his name into the Mayweather and Pacquiao sweepstakes along with Margarito. If they both win on Saturday night. It will surely provide more options at the 154 and 147 weight classes.
Quick Recap Antonio Margarito (154 pounds) by 6th round KO over Roberto Garcia (153 pounds) Paul Williams (152.5 pounds) by 10th round TKO over Kermit Cintron (154 pounds)
