I had the fight scored 115-113 for Williams, with the score coming down to the last round, a round for the taking which Williams won. A couple comments: 1) Margarito's body attack didn't wear Williams out, but it slowed him down, with the noticeable effects coming after the 8th round. 1.5) Margarito's short right hand found its target many, many times once the effects of Margarito's body punching closed the distance and allowed him to get inside. 2) Everyone talks about Williams's reach, punch output, and height, but I think he has very underrated footwork and head movement. He also has a very accurate left uppercut, which is poison for any orthodox fighter who comes forward and is caught off balance. If Williams can't find any big name to fight him now, I can see him and Goossen agreeing to a rematch. That is, if Arum doesn't still give Margarito the Cotto fight, even after Margarito lost. Remember, it was Arum who said at the post-fight press conference, "At Top Rank we protect our own fighters." If a rematch were to happen, I still think it would be a pick-em fight, mainly because one question arises that was still unanswered from the fight last weekend: Margarito was able to time Williams's punches and block twice as many of them in the second half. However, Williams was somehow able to recover in the 12th round and outbox and beat Margarito to the punch in the end. Was that because Williams knew he had enough rounds in the bank from earlier in the fight to conserve energy until the end, or did Margarito (unfortunately for him) solve the puzzle of Paul Williams one round too late? I think a rematch would silence all the questions.
Well thought out.:good I agree with pretty much everything you said except regarding PW's footwork. He is so lanky that one step back and he is out of range, so yes that is good. but coming forward he trips over his feet and he has bad balance especially when throwing punches. Regarding the 12th, I think Paul was straight up tired and sucked it up.
It is not only necessary, it is required based on the 1st fight and the varying fight results of many boxing writers. As for me, though it was Williams by 2 rounds, I still think the rematch can produce a different result in favor of Margarito.
Good post. I agree with your technical analysis of the fight and the fighters. Williams has flaws with his footwork and his defence but no one can capitalise on them. When someone does and score, he throws 5 punches back and neutralises what you just did. He is going to be a tough cookie cos his chin and body look like they can take shots.
A rematch would be great. Generally it was a good close fight that came down to the last round. If the fighters are ballsy enough to do it again then fantastic. We need more fighters willing to put it on the line.
I thought the fight actually showed how dangerous Margarito is. He is extremely strong for a welterweight, and it showed what type of punch activity is needed to just eek out a decision over him. He has great stamina and strength coming down the stretch of a fight and I think he gives anyone in the division a tough fight. Williams fought a good fight, and definitely a fight only a young hungry in shape fighter can fight. It would be interesting still to see Margarito Cotto if Arum still makes it, which I think he will considering he promotes both guys and has nothing to lose.
I dont think its necessary but would definately enjoy watching it. However, I do think it would end the same way because I dont think Tony has the skills to exploit Williams' flaws. It was the first time I had seen Margarito fight and I was shocked because he is definately a good boxer and seems tough and gritty but after all the hype about him being ducked and dominant it didnt show against an opponenet who before the fight many on ESB were saying he would destroy.
I for one didnt think Williams was prepared to fight the fight needed to beat Margarito, but he showed some championship stuff. You can see why fighters avoid Margarito, because he is very strong througout the entire fight, and guys have to work for 12 rounds just to keep him away. Not so sure some of the other top guys have the power to keep him off.
Also if the Cotto-Margarito fight still gets made regardless it kind of shows whats wrong with boxing at the moment. If he wasdefinately gonna fight Cotto if he won, as he lost shouldnt that fight be given to the winner. Williams.Why isnt the winner facing another winner in Cotto.
Because Arum wont risk losing another title to Dan Goosen. Guarantee that fight wont happen anytime soon, plus margarito cotto still sells more tickets than cotto williams
And thats the problem promoters having more say in a boxers career than the fighter themself. A fighter who lets their promoter dictate who they must fight or who they duck is just as bad as a fighter who chooses to duck fighters. We need more fighters taking charge and fighting the best. Case in point Joe Calzaghe, the guy has skills but how can you have all those fights and defend yout title against Peter Manfredo or not fight one of the big names in the division and I do mean in the last 5 years. For those who say what about Lacy, I say cool but please name another in the past 5 years.
It's about as necessary as Mosley v Vargas II. It was a good fight. If there's a market for it I'd watch again.
