Weigh-in and photo updates from HBO Boxing (Check them out for more photos):
- Gatti 146 lbs - Gomez 147 lbs
- Margarito 145 lbs - Williams 145 lbs
- Cintron 146 lbs - Matthysse 147 lbs
All fighters made weight, but what will really matter tonight, though, is how ready each fighter is and their weights when they go inside the ring.
On July 14 on HBO World Championship Boxing, long-time fan favorite and determined fighter, Arturo Gatti, will be facing The Contender's Alfonso Gomez. Gatti (40-8, 31 KO's) recently lost to Carlos Baldomir in their fight and is looking to bounce back against Alfonso Gomez, also a tough opponent. Alfonso Gomez (16-3-2, 7 KO's) recently fought in The Contender UK vs. USA and the way this guy fights is exciting. Both Gomez and Gatti are relentless fighters always on the offense and both of them also have good defense. Unfortunately, Gatti is past his prime and I don't think he has that same amazing footwork he had in his legendary trilogy with Micky Ward, while Alfonso Gomez is a hungry fighter looking to raise his status in the boxing world by defeating Gatti. I think it is safe to say that this fight will be an exciting one considering that Gatti is involved and Alfonso Gomez is also an offensive fighter. My prediction: because of more experience and more quality opponents, Gatti by a late round knockout, or unanimous decision if he runs out of gas.
Another fight on the same card will be Antonio Margarito (34-4, 24 KO's), current titleholder, against an undefeated Paul Williams (32-0, 24 KO's). I know that Antonio Margarito has been a very exciting fighter and has a lot of possible fights before him (Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto) he must face a difficult opposition in the form of Paul Williams first. Not much is known, in my case, for Paul Williams besides his undefeated record and his only good opponent has been Sharmba Mitchell whom he knocked out, this guy is untested and his true test will come when he fights Margarito. I tend to favor more experinced fighters than undefeated ones (except in their line-up and quality of past opponents) so my prediction is going to be Antonio Margarito by late round knockout or unanimous decision.
Kermit Cintron (27-1, 25 KO's) will also be fighting Walter Matthysse (26-1, 25 KO's). According to HBO, "these fighters are known for their impressive knockout power and heavy hitting styles" so look for an explosive fight and a knockout on this one. (Picture taken from BoxingScene.com)
