How good was Antonio Margarito?

[X]

We've got a bit sidetracked with the gloves issue here, methinks.

He turned pro at 15, as many impoverished Mexican greats do, and came up through the brutal brutal Mexican domestic lower weights.

A three time Welterweight 'world' champion, he was gigantic at the weight - but very physically strong. He had a solid, simple technique that allowed him to get over a customary slow start to bully and break down his opponents. He had an absolute cast iron chin, and often seemed to break his opponents hearts on route to brutalising them. He had a massive workrate once the first couple of rounds were over, I think he threw a record 1600 punches against Joshua Clottey over 12 rounds!

For a few years, he was undoubtedly the most avoided welterweight on the planet.

The gloves thing, and the fact that he looks like a movie stereotype cartel hitman resulted in him playing the 'baddie' for most of his fights, especially later on.

When he went up the weights later on, he couldn't carry his power up and he wasn't faster than th bigger guys. He was prone to getting outpointed and - even if you hate him - you have to admire his will and chin.