- published: 06 Mar 2016
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Antonio Margarito Montiel (born on March 18, 1978 in Torrance, California) is a Mexican-American professional boxer. He is a former WBA, WBO & IBF Welterweight Champion. Nicknamed El Tornado de Tijuana, he is known for his aggressive fighting style and his iron chin. He is currently trained by former IBF Super Featherweight Champion Roberto García. Antonio also manages IBF Lightweight Champion Miguel Vázquez.
Margarito was in an incident in which his corner was caught tampering with his hand wraps prior to his bout with Shane Mosley. The hand wraps were found by the CSAC to contain sulfur and calcium which, when combined with oxygen, forms Plaster of Paris.
He resides in Tijuana, Baja California with his wife Michelle Margarito. He is the brother-in-law of undefeated prospect Hanzel Martinez.
Margarito compiled a record of 18–3 in his relatively brief amateur career, indicating that he may have turned pro quickly due to financial concerns.
Margarito made his debut at the age of 15, beating Jose Trujillo in Tijuana by decision. On April 25 he achieved his first knockout, defeating Victor Angulo in the second round. On October 17 he suffered his first defeat, a six round decision to Victor Lozoya. Over the next six bouts, he went 4–2. Following that, he went 28–2–1, with notable wins over Alfred Ankamah, Juan Soberanes, future World Middleweight Champion Sergio Gabriel Martinez, Buck Smith, David Kamau and Frankie Randall, a former World Light Welterweight Champion who became the first man to beat Julio César Chávez in 91 fights.