Boxing News, Notes: Roy Jones Jr., Margarito, Cintron and Paul Williams

antonio margarito28.01.08 – By Vivek Wallace: As 2007 ended boxing aficionado’s wondered whether or not that buzz would carry over to 2008, and as we stand a month deep into the new year, it appears that question has been answered, and perhaps a few more raised.

You can never be too sure of anything in this sport and the years first marquee matchup was truly a sign of the times. A little over a week ago fight fans watched in great anticipation as two men that were categorically listed as D.M.W.’s – (Dead Men Walking) – came out and proved to be the exact opposite.

Roy Jones Jr.:

Although Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad gave a very spirited effort, the performance put on by Roy Jones Jr. was one that answered many skeptics who thought his better days were far behind him. Gone was the weak chin that failed to serve him twice, present was the flash, and speed of old. Gone was the stamina perserving rope-resting, present was the blinding combinations that have faded many-a-men of the past.

Of all the characteristics that returned to the ring last Saturday night with Roy Jones Jr, the one on display most came outside of the ring. His mouth.

After the fight, Jones’ words were once again on full display as he stated that he would be willing to not only go across the pond to fight Joe Calzaghe in England, but also drop down to 156lbs to fight Oscar Dela Hoya. As much as some want to chalk it up as a one way conversation from a bruised ego, his performance actually made me beg to differ and eagerly anticipate what the future holds. Skeptics continue to balk at Roy and downplay his skill level at age 39 mostly in part because he beat a 35 year old inactive fighter, but my response is a reflection on a stat that I continue to point at that few in the media have mentioned; That’s the fact that below the light heavyweight divison Roy Jones is still a strong 34-0, with 29KO’s.

Yeah, he hasn’t looked as great at and above the light heavy division, but if he decides to stay low, who ever he decides to fight would have to do something that’s never been done. The way that he looked last week, it may be safe to say that it may never happen. What his future holds we don’t know, but what we do know is that he’s back, and the ‘old’ Roy is indeed the ‘old’ Roy.

Margarito/Cintron

Seems that after being humiliated in his only loss a few years ago to Antonio Margarito, Kermit Cintron has all of a sudden turned ‘Atlanta Brave’ by declaring that he wants a rematch. Adding famed trainer Emanuel Steward to his corner has certainly helped Cintron reach his potential, but in my estimation this could be another setback waiting to happen. You can teach a fighter to jab, you can teach a fighter to work his angles, you can teach a fighter a lot of things; One thing you can’t teach a fighter is to handle a well placed powershot that exceeds his threshold for pain. Despite the power in Cintron’s hands, the usually thick-bearded Margarito won’t go away easily and after losing to Williams last July, you can bet he won’t let another precious opportunity to land on the big stage slip away.

I see Margarito fighting like this is his last shot at the big leagues, ending things the same way he did in the first encounter. I could be wrong, but one thing I know is that the only way Williams defeated Margarito was by a heavy work volume. Something Cintron’s typical work pace and stamina doesn’t include. Based on that assessment, my personal prediction on this one is Margarito inside of 9rds.

Paul Williams

Speaking of Antonio Margarito, the man who took the challenge of fighting him and was successful doing so, Paul Williams is scheduled to take to the ring in a few weeks against Carlos Quinata. For most, Quintana isn’t a threat to Williams, and despite the fact that I think he’s a very skilled fighter, the same thing that makes him a non-threat to Williams is the same thing that makes most other welters a non-threat. That being the physical attributes that Paul Williams presents. Reach, height, work rate, and a chin sturdy enough to stand pat in the trenches while receiving shots in an effort to deliver some good ones of his own.

In the eyes of cynics, I don’t think this fight does much for the credibility of Williams in terms of establishing him among the divisions elite but that’s one of the deceptive things about this guy that I personally find amazing. He’s too raw to be ‘believable’ in the eyes of most fans, but he’s too good for any of the other welters to step up and find out. Kinda makes him a minority in the midst of a silent majority. A stealth under the radar waiting to be tested. Whether or not he delivers in the 11th hour remains to be seen, but there’s very little that tells me he won’t. Stay tuned.

(Got Feedback?: Write ESB’s Vivek Wallace at vivexemail@yahoo.com or show some love at www.myspace.com/anonymouslyinvolved)