Margarito Crushes Johnson

Making his first appearance since losing his World Boxing Organization welterweight title to Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito (35-5, 26 KOs) completely annhilated journeyman Golden Johnson (25-9-3, 18 KOs), stoppinng him at 2:28 of the 1st round last night on the undercard of Mosley vs. Cotto at Madison Square Garden. Johnson was completely out of his league from the very start, and was quickly dropped three times by Margarito’s high-power offensive display. Seconds into the bout, Margarito connected with a one-two combination that knocked Johnson to the canvas.

Hardly had Johnson gotten up and brushed himself off, he was knocked flat once against courtesty of one of Margarito’s monstrous hooks. At this point, Johnson was badly hurt but somehow he was able to continue on for a few moment longer before brutally being planted for the final time by Margarito.

In contrast to the other welterweight bout last night between Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto, Margarito looked to be better fighter of the three by far. He seems to be fighting at a much higher level, both him and Paul Williams, than Cotto or Mosley.

As to what’s next, Margarito will either be fighting Paul Williams in a rematch or possibly taking on Cotto for his World Boxing Association welterweight title. Based on what I saw of Cotto last night, I’d say that should be Margarito’s first option, as he matches up really well with the smaller Cotto. At this point in his career, Margarito would hold all the advantages - size, power, and high volume punching, which would make it tough for Cotto to hang with him for the full twelve rounds.