WORDS David Vallejo

Spend five minutes with Antonio Margarito and it’s easy to forget you’re talking to a world champion boxer. His down-to-earth demeanor reminds you of a favorite cousin, instead of the body bruiser that he is. For as friendly as he is outside the ring, make no mistake about it, Antonio Margarito is a merciless headhunter in the ring. His relentless, straight ahead style of boxing can make even the toughest boxers crumple in defeat or just take a knee to end the pain. Don’t believe us? Just ask Miguel Cotto or some of Margarito’s other opponents. Margarito took a break from his training in order to sit down and talk with Open Your Eyes. Lucky for me, the interview was outside the ring.

People refer to you as a man among boys. Is that how you feel every time you step into the ring?
Well, I just go in and do my job.

How does it feel to finally reach this level in your career?
I’m going through the best time of my career. I’m really happy for everything I have achieved.

After watching how bad Oscar de la Hoya looked against Manny Pacquiao, would you still want to fight Oscar?
No, I don’t mention it anymore. Even if I wanted it, the fight probably wouldn’t happen. He had said he would fight the winner when Cotto and I fought. Obviously, I won, but he never took the fight. After looking at his performance against Pacquiao, I think it’s time for Oscar to retire.

Is there any fight you really want at this point?
I’m an employee of Top Rank. We don’t know which fight they’re going to put together for us, but we’re willing to fight anyone.

Do you think there will be a rematch between you and Miguel Cotto?
Well that’s the talk. There may be a rematch in June.

What did Cotto tell you after you beat him?
Nothing really. He just congratulated me.

You have the CompuBox record for most punches thrown in a fight. Is your high punch rate something you do consciously or is it something that comes naturally?
No, it’s not on purpose. I think it comes from all of the training.

It’s very likely that Oscar de la Hoya will retire soon. Do you think you’ll become the next Mexican boxing idol?
That’s not something I would take from Oscar because he’s not Mexican. The person that left that void was Julio Cesar Chavez. That’s the void I want to fill. It isn’t Oscar de la Hoya. It’s my idol, Julio Cesar Chavez.

Do you feel the fans are accepting you in this way?
Yes. The fans are treating me good. Wherever I stop they’re following me and asking to take a picture. I’m really happy about all of the support.

Any last words for your Mexican fans?
Thank you to all of the Mexicans, to all of the fans. I’m grateful for all of your support.

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