Philippines, 11 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


GRUDGE REMATCH IS ON: ANTONIO MARGARITO GETS LICENSE TO FIGHT MIGUEL COTTO IN NEW YORK


PhilBoxing.com




New York - The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) granted today Antonio Margarito's petition for license to fight in the state. After almost two hours of closed door meeting between the three commissioners, the panel decided that Margarito is fit to fight his December 3 rematch with Miguel Cotto at the Madison Square Garden. This was the second public hearing by the commission that pertains to the case. A first one was scheduled last Friday in their Williams St. headquarters but they have failed to come up with a final verdict back then. A decision was made though that Margarito must agree to a meeting with an eye specialist designated by the commission which will be the basis for him obtaining a license to box in New York.

Antonio Margarito suffered an injury to his right eye following his fight with Manny Pacquiao in Dallas, Texas last year. He underwent cataract surgery and had an artificial lens implanted early this year to correct his vision problems. He has not fought since the Pacquiao fight and this will be his first fight in more than a year. New York initially expressed concern on the extent of the injury, hence the delay for his licensure. He flew via a private jet from his training camp in Mexico to New York last Sunday and was seen by renowned eye specialist, Dr. Michael Goldstein yesterday. Margarito then underwent a series of testing performed by Goldstein on his affected eye in his office in Manhattan.

The result of the test was what the commission needed to deliberate and make their final decision on the matter which they released today. An official statement was read by Commissioner Edwin Torres who spoke on behalf of Chairwoman Melvina Latham who was not able to speak in the hearing today because she was suffering from laryngitis. It reads:

"Evidence has been introduced, including by the applicant himself, detailing the rehabilitative steps taken to ensure that all the rules of the commission will be followed. After due consideration of the evidence of rehabilitation, the commission finds the issuance of a license to the applicant not to be contrary to the best interests of boxing. Further, following the thorough examination by Dr. Goldstein, and his testimony that it is his opinion that the condition of Mr. Margarito's eye is such that he's fit to be in the ring, the commission rules that Mr. Margarito's petition for a license in New York is granted."

The decision puts to rest the questions of logistics for the fight. Top Rank has explored other venues in the state of Colorado, Texas and Mississippi as possible alternatives to New York if Margarito's licensure is not granted by the commission. It also gave the more than 15,000 ticket holders of the almost sold out MSG,a sigh of relief of not having to cancel their plans for this big fight weekend. And with that, the city inherits the economic upside that it is expected to gain from this bout. Now that the fight for the venue has been settled, the fight in the ring will soon commence.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • ARGENTINE KO KING CHAVES FACES MADUENO IN LAS VEGAS
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Team USA Clinches Eight Medals At 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Weights From ‘Mielnicki vs. Huerta’ Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and Broadcast live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Boquiren to face Olmillo in RFL on April 18
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • USA Opens Strong at 2026 Gee Bee Tournament In Helsinki
    , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Filipino chess prodigy Nika Juris Nicolas eyes Woman International Master title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Apr 2026
  • Blazen Rocili "The Filipino Giant" Dominates in Statement Victory at "Rumble in the UNE," Improves to 10-0
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Oppas to face Lu on April 11 in Australia
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Ilar, Infiesto to play in Guevarra Chess Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Pabular to face Kitano on April 13 at Korakuen Hall
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Five reasons why IBA NOMAD 14 in Almaty is worth watching
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Antonio bounces back in Sydney International Open Chess Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Los Angeles Prospect Jahvad McDermott
    , Fri, 10 Apr 2026
  • Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in  Las Vegas
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
    , Thu, 09 Apr 2026
  • Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026
  • Overweight Paradero cancels bout
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.