For many years, Antonio Margarito has asked himself, “When will it be my time?”

In his opinion, Oscar De La Hoya has had his time, as well as Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather. The success of Margarito in the last five years has even made the casual fight fan pay attention to him.

However, Margarito feels that he has proven his stock enough to earn a major profile fight against De La Hoya, Judah, or Mayweather. One cannot fault the man considering he stands to make millions in each of those fights.

On Saturday night, he hopes the road will lead to one of those men. He steps inside the ring to defend his WBO Welterweight title against Manuel Gomez at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The bout will headline a stellar “Real Warriors” card, presented by Top Rank. The card will be televised on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Margarito, (32-4, 23 KO’s) from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, has never been one to slouch away from a brawl and has accepted all challenges against him. However, he feels that he should be the one issuing the challenges now that he is a world champion.
It has been a long road up to this point for the fighter affectionately known as “Tony” around the boxing circles.

Beginning his professional career at a now unheard of 15 years of age, Margarito wanted to fight because for the necessity of assisting his family.

“We were living in poverty here in Tijuana and I wanted to help my family,” explained Margarito, who will turn 28 next month. “When you are in Mexico, you want to come fight to the United States and make a name for yourself. In the beginning, people liked the way I fought. Early on, I didn’t have the experience to show the people what I could really do. After time, the experience took over and that’s why you see a different fighter today.”

He indeed is a different fighter today than that of a fighter who began his professional career at age 15. Fighting against men at times twice his age with a world of experience, Margarito won nine out of his first 12 fights.

Ironically, his opponent, Gomez, also began his professional career at the age of 15. However, Margarito explained that the similarities end there.

“I know that this may be his last opportunity to fight for a world title. I do expect him to come out aggressively and wanting to take the fight to me. We worked real hard in the gym and prepared for this fight.”

In facing Gomez, Margarito will be facing a fighter who has not lost since 1998, when Gomez dropped a decision to Diobelys Hurtado. Gomez is known for his explosive power, which could make any fighter worried.

However, Margarito explained that his game plan will lead him to victory.

“I know that Gomez’ best punch are the right hands,” explained Margarito, who recently proclaimed that he would try to get Gomez out by the fifth round. “We worked hard in the gym to protect from the right hand. If he comes to fight and wants a war, then we will give him one.”

After Gomez, Margarito wants to push towards a big fight against De La Hoya, Judah, or Mayweather. Margarito has been assured by Top Rank that 2006 is his year and he wants to take full advantage of it.

In responding to comments he made about De La Hoya not wanting to fight him, Margarito was very frustrated that a number of fighters have been ducking him.

“I don’t know why Oscar would want to fight some like (Ricardo) Mayorga. It would make more sense to fight a fellow Mexican. This will be a fight that would be good for both of us.”