I know I?m late in offering up my opinion on the topic of Antonio Margarito?s reinstatement into boxing in the United States. I haven?t had much free time to write on the topic, but I have had time to form my opinion and think about exactly why I?ve done a complete one-eighty on the topic.
From the time the California State Athletic Commission came down with their ruling to suspend Margarito in February of 2009, I supported the decision of the commission. The knuckle pads that were removed from his handwraps and confiscated by CSAC officials prior to his January 9, 2009 bout with Shane Mosley, were eventually tested by the California Department of Justice and found to contain two elements that bond to form a Plaster of Paris-like substance.
Margarito maintained his ignorance of the illegal substance on the knuckle pads, and trainer Javier Capetillo supported Margarito?s story.
Following two unsuccessful attempts at reinstatement in California, Margarito was eventually granted a license to box in the state of Texas on August 27, just in time to kick of the August 31, 2010 press tour to announce his upcoming fight with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Margarito will take on Pacquiao in front of an expected crowd of 70,000 people that will pack the seats at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, on November 13, 2010.
?Live and let live,? I always say. If Texas found just cause to reinstate Margarito, why waste my breath trying in vain, to reverse a decision that can?t be reversed. Margarito will get a career-high pay day, but will also shell out a career-high in sanctioning fe
