 Some Fighters to Watch at 147
By David A. Avila (January 5, 2006) Photo © HoganPhotos.com
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Few people outside of the hardcore boxing world know boxers in the welterweight division. Other than current welterweight champion Zab Judah or Floyd Mayweather Jr., fans overlook the no-name fighters in the welterweight division. But there are a few 147-pounders that can give big trouble for anyone. Here's a small list:
Antonio Margarito (32-4, 23 KOs), 27, - The current WBO welterweight title-holder has major respect from elite fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley. It's no surprise that Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather Jr. would choose to fight each other first before tangling with this fighting machine. He throws punches from all angles and has a chin made of granite. He's been a pro since he was 16 and looks to be in his prime.
Paul Williams (28-0, 20 KOs), 24, - In his last fight he took some prime time shots from hard-hitting Mexican fighter Alfonso Sanchez. He didn't blink. That fight and a few others, such as his dominating performance over talented Terrance Cauthen, showed he has enough experience and ability to hang with the big boys now. Look for Williams to come a knocking.
Mark Suarez (24-2, 12 KOs), 26, - His record may only show 12 knockouts in 26 fights, but he's stopped six consecutive opponents since moving up to the welterweight division. Tall and quick, he's an offensive force with a mean streak. Suarez was willing to go to Germany to face Michael Trabant, but he was turned down at the last minute. Now Suarez gets his chance in Madison Square Garden this Saturday. Expect fireworks.
Kendall Holt (20-1, 12 KOs), 24, - Speed and quickness are his assets and he puts them to good use. His win over David Diaz, a welterweight contender, proved he knows how to handle pressure. A few more wins like that and Holt will be ready for anyone. The Paterson, New Jersey fighter was dropped in the seventh round against Diaz but rumbled back with a solid effort.
David Estrada (18-2, 9 KOs), 27, - They don't come any rougher than Estrada, who survived 10 rounds against Sugar Shane Mosley. Though he lost, you have to give a lot of credit to Estrada for adapting a different plan of attack midway through the fight. Having a great trainer like Angelo Dundee in your corner gives Estrada another weapon. Expect the Chicago native to ruffle a lot of feathers in the welterweight division.
Hector Camacho Jr. (40-1-1, 23 KOs), 27, - Recently the fighter known as "Machito" returned to the ring as a junior middleweight to fight Nelson Estupinan. He was ambushed. Estupinan, a little-known bomber from Mexico, had surprised former welterweight champion Carlos "Bolillo" Gonzalez and hoped to add Camacho to his victims. After a first round knockdown, Camacho showed his quickness and power in winning a convincing victory. Now Camacho is a welterweight. He's always wanted a shot at Judah or Mayweather.
Joel Jair Julio (25-0, 22 KOs), 20, - You never know what to expect from fighters out of Colombia. The quick-fisted Julio stopped Hicklet Lau in four rounds. That's not easy to do. He's also beaten Lino Perez by decision. It may be too early to tell with Julio, but he has the tools to make potential opponents keep an eye out for him.
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