So much has been written and said about Manny Pacquiao potentially using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the last few months.
Yet has there been any hard evidence to prove that Manny is a low, down, dirty cheat?
No.
There has not been one failed test, dirty needle found in his locker room, or any other such smoking gun.
Yet as the boxing world chews the fat over the failed negotiations between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, one real cheater is possibly returning to the ring very soon.
This week the California State Athletic Commission will decide the fate of Antonio Margarito, a fighter who was caught with plaster loaded hand wraps moments before he was about to enter the ring against Shane Mosley on January 24, 2009. The California commission punished Margarito on indefinite suspension following an investigation.
Though Margarito’s California suspension has kept him from boxing in the United States for a year, in a few days any willing commission can licence Margarito to fight.
Two weeks ago on The Boxing Truth Radio, Margarito’s promoter Bob Arum informed listeners that Margarito was likely to return to action on the under card of Pacquiao – Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Dallas, Texas.
It seems as Texas’ commission, one of the most liberal in the Untied States, is willing to give a proven cheater another an opportunity to step into the ring.
Then today Ryan Songalia of BoxingScene reported that Arum is considering putting Margarito in with Manny Pacquiao later this year.
So a known cheater, with loaded hand wraps, reading and willing to pulverise Shane Mosley a little less than a year ago is set to return to the ring and possibly receive an opportunity to fight the sports biggest star?
Something is wrong with this, very wrong.
I am not for keeping a man from earning a living, but in boxing, athletes put their lives on the line each and every time they enter the ring. Margarito committed one of the sports deadliest sins – attempting to use hand wraps that had been altered.
Is it okay for Texas to okay Margarito’s return to the ring following the attempt to use doctored wraps?
I am against it and I am against California lifting their ban of Margarito when the State’s commission meets to discuss the matter. Ultimatley, it is not my decision, but the decision of the citizens within these States.
If you want your voice to be heard, for, or against Margarito, and live in Texas (512-463-6599) or California (916-263-2195), call the commission and let your mind be known.
