WBA Welterweight Title Match

Fans of boxing were treated to a super match on Saturday, July 26, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the ring were two boxers weighing in at 147 pounds each-but no one should take the welterweight division anything but seriously.

Antonio Margarito finally got his opportunity for a title bout against Miguel Cotto. Margarito, hailing from Tijuana, Mexico and nicknamed the "Tijuana Tornado" came into the bout with a 36-5 record, twenty-six of his victories being knockouts.

Miguel Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico, holding the WBA welterweight title with an undefeated record going into the night had his hands full with an opponent known for his stone chin.

Margarito never seemed anything but aggressive at any time during the match; he showed respect for the title holder, but never any fear.

Cotto did well in the early rounds, but by the seventh round was worn out from Margarito's chasing him about the ring and a series of uppercuts in the round that had the title holder staggering.

In the eleventh round, Margarito was masterful. He continued to punch and move his opponent into the ropes and the corners. Finally, with a hard right hand, Margarito knocked Cotto to one knee. To his credit, Cotto stood up from that but was staggered again with 55 seconds left in the round. Cotto's corner threw in the towel at that point and the referee stopped the contest.

It was an exciting fight to watch; the natural rivalry between the two men was palpable. The momentum of the early rounds of the fight seemed to be going Cotto's way, but Margarito said his strategy for the fight was to wear down the champion. Margarito's camp realized Cotto was the better boxer; Margarito the better puncher.

Both men clearly came into the bout determined to give it their best efforts; I am certain fans would agree that they did. Referee for the bout, Kenny Bayless, said it was the best fight he'd ever been in the ring for.

For some reason, there are boxing fans who aren't interested in anything but heavyweight action. Those fans are missing out on some of the most spectacular boxing entertainment around at this point in time. Any boxing fan who missed this match-up can't help but regret it.