Junior Welterweight vs. Welterweight.

The welterweight division is neck-to-neck with the jr. welterweight division, as being the most talented division in boxing today. Last night’s fights which featured the re-birth of Shane Mosley and the great preparation and execution of Antonio Margarito who defeated Kermit Cintron, via knockout, was a positive statement for the welterweight division. The junior welterweight class, which is home to Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, Arturo Gatti, Miguel Cotto and Vivian Harris is a camp of talented fighters, with intentions on not only becoming or remaining world champions, but, being known as the very best. In the welterweight division, you have Zab Judah, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and the potential comeback of Oscar de la Hoya. Another bonus for being a junior welterweight or welterweight, is the option of moving up or down for more of a challenge, better pay days, or making a mark in a new division.

The welterweight division is so exciting and, up until last night, a possible future encounter was considered to be Mosley versus Kermit Cintron; but Antonio Margarito put an end to that. As for a Mosley vs. Margarito, that’s not a good idea. Mosley should fight two medium level quality fighters at welterweight and from there, we will see if he is truly comfortable at this weight; his past losses have more to do with a new mental approach than a decrease in pounds and relocation to a lighter division. Margarito is tough and hungry, right now, with a lot more to prove.

The king of the welterweight division is Zab Judah and his upcoming challenge of Cosme Rivera will serve as a gentle test. Zab, in the past, has been known to lose focus, so here, we will see if the new Zab, who accepted a smaller purse to win the championship from Cory Spinks, who has moved up in weight from the welterweight class. As for Cintron, his next fight should be with self-confidence and self-esteem and rebuilding his career, something that will have to be carefully planned. A loss by decision is arguable, but a knockout loss can reshape a fighter’s whole perspective on boxing.

Let’s not forget Vernon Forrest, who when completely healthy will come in the welterweight division with hunger and motivation. Again, remember Oscar de la Hoya’s chance of returning, a moment in the welterweight division that will increase both welterweights and junior welterweights interest for the big money payday that only a De La Hoya fight can guarantee.

Boxing fans all over, are anticipating the Kostya Tszyu vs. Ricky Hatton match. This fight will be the definitive fight of the junior welterweight division for 2005. As the Mayweather vs. Gatti fight, could lead to a potential Gatti vs. Tszyu, Mayweather vs. Hatton, Tszyu vs. Mayweather, or Gatti vs. Hatton, showdown, do you see the makings of great future defining fights in the sport of boxing? The future of Cotto and Harris only adds to the fire of this division. Both Cotto and Harris have shown a warrior spirit in past fights and the war cry of Harris is very loud. Even Cotto’s next opponent, Mohamad Abdulaev is a sign of how talent-heavy the junior welterweight division is. Francisco Bojado is still growing and soon, he will be in the mix of matching quality and meaningful fights in the junior welterweight division.

Adding to the astounding thoughts about future fights in this division, leads you to the conclusion of where Tszyu will land if he wins against the hard-hitting Hatton. Some speculate that he will advance up to the welterweight division, so he can float around big money fights with De La Hoya; you have to admit, it’s captivating how De La Hoya’s name keeps reappearing and we are not even sure what his plans are. Of course, these guys may be several inches shorter and pounds lighter than the big money makers of the heavyweight division, but the total impact punch of the welterweight and junior welterweight divisions together could flatten any of the super heavyweights.

Shaun Rico LaWhorn can be reached at filmmaking_mentality@msn.com