One of boxing’s more anticipated fights is set to go down on Saturday evening in Dallas. Antonio Margarito, suspended by many states for loading his gloves against Shane Mosley, will take on Manny Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium. Pacquiao hasn’t lost since 2005 and he’s defeated big names like Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar De La Hoya his last handful of fights.
The win over De La Hoya was notable not only because of the impressive numbers the fight drew, but because it was Oscar’s last fight. Oh yeah, and because Oscar failed to answer the bell for the 9th round. Roy Jones Jr. has already gotten his two cents in on the matter, and now so has Margarito.
Speaking with Boxing Scene, Margarito said he wants to put in a better showing against Pac Man than Oscar had. “There’s a difference between both of us,” he said. “I’m a true Mexican. I will die in the ring. I will not quit.”
Not that any of us are looking forward to seeing a man die in the ring, but that’s the type of an attitude a fighter should have. My instant reaction to seeing Oscar not come out for the 9th round was that he quit and didn’t give people the show for which they signed up. Boxing is not only a sweet science, but it’s also for dedicated fighters with heart. Oscar lacked that in his Pacquiao fight and was overmatched. Hopefully Margarito will give the fans a better show.
