One on One Interview with Antonio Margarito
Tony, how are you doing? I?m hearing that camp is going great. Your focus must be at an all time high, what else can you tell us?
AM ? Camp is going very well. Thanks to God that there haven?t been any injuries, the weight is perfect, my sparring is great. I can?t complain about anything. I am extremely focused, this is the most important fight in my career. I have been given the opportunity of the lifetime, and I intend to take advantage of it.
I?ve seen the pictures and you look real ripped. Incredibly strong, what type of exercises have you added to your training this time around that has you looking like the incredible hulk?
AM ? All I?ve done is added some new ab exercises that include weights. I came into camp at a fit 160 pounds, this has made a difference.
I also heard that you completed the Big Bear Mountain run in under 37 minutes, that is amazing. Any truth to that?
AM ? I run in Mt. Baldy, which is about an hour and a half from Big Bear Mountain. 37 minutes is my personal best running up the mountain.
It?s no secret that right now Pacquiao is performing like a beast. Pacquiao darts in and out and blasts his opponents with bombs that arrive with blazing speed. You have seen him so you know what I am talking about here. We all know Pacquiao?s strengths but what would you say are his weaknesses?
AM ? Look, I know Manny is very quick, but we have a game plan and with that game plan, we will defeat Manny. Manny is going to have a bigger, taller fighter in front of him. A fighter that throws constant punches, a fighter that does not stop putting pressure. We?ll find out how he handles that on fight night.
Many observers are picking Pacquiao to defeat you, they say that he is too fast, too strong, too determined, and on top of that they add that Pacquiao also has the best trainer in the world in Freddie Roach. Freddie is great at studying tape and formulating the fight plan in which he then hands the blueprint over to his fighter. Your trainer, Robert Garcia is a good trainer who I see is someone that is gaining momentum, he just needs for someone to give him a push so that he can break through the doors and that someone could be you. What can you tell us about Freddie Roach the opposing trainer? And what can you tell us about what big a difference Garcia makes in your corner?
AM ? Who was Freddie before Manny? I?ll tell you who. He was just another trainer looking for work. Freddie has become a sought out trainer because on Manny. If I?m correct, Freddy has only been successful with one fighter and that is Manny. I?ve known of numerous of fighters, including top rated fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, and Bernard Hopkins, who he had no success with. Robert is a trainer who is bringing in many years of experience with him, not only as a trainer, but as a fighter as well. He?s fought and trained with the best. Robert has developed young fighters in to top contenders and has been successful in developing world champions as well. Robert is well deserving to be where he is at, promoters, managers, and fighters seek him out because he will get the job done.
I am hearing that fight fans are expecting for you to turn into Clottey and cover up and fight for survival when the Pacquiao assault is happening. Which is why I feel that the 100 punches a round and a stiff jab is needed from you to break down this monster. You must mug him at times and cut off the distance in his punches, do not allow him to extend. Would you agree?
AM ? You are correct. I am not Clottey, that was a terrible showing for him. I could not understand why he fought the way he did. Fight fans should know that is not my style. I am a fighter who throws punches and puts on relentless pressure.
Do you have any closing thoughts for all the fight fans out there?
AM ? I really want to take this time to thank all my fans for their support. The Tornado will make them proud!
Thanks for your time, and good luck to you
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Photo Credit : Chris Farina ? Top Rank
