Philippines, 12 Jul 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:

  • Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • 1st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • Pacquiao, Briggs and Chisora share their views ahead of IBA PRO 19 in Moscow
    , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • LICA MALLS 500 SHAW TO HOST PACQUIAO CHESS TEAM TILT
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • Canelo vs Benavidez on Cinco De Mayo 2027? Maybe.
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev drives global combat sports expansion with historic wrestling partnership with RAF
    , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • July 14th Fight Card Featuring Hasim Rahman Moved to Tuesday, August 18th at ESL Ballpark in Rochester, New York
    , Sat, 11 Jul 2026
  • Sem Japet Enano scores another Upset in Brisbane, Stops Tyler Blizzard in 7th
    , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • WBO Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Gabriel Santisima set to defend title tomorrow in Malungon, Sarangani Province
    , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • BiYu Promotions Launches "Fights Under the Lights" with Star-Studded Card Featuring the Return of the Grandy Twins
    , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • Full card set for ProBoxTV on July 18 in San Bernardino
    , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev promises world-class spectacle ahead of IBA PRO 19 showdown
    , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • Ataev-Uzcategui WBA title eliminator officials named
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • GM Joey Antonio is set to defend his titles at the upcoming sixth Gov. Henry S.Oaminal Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 10 Jul 2026
  • Triple title header in UKC slugfest on July 12
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 09 Jul 2026
  • Coming soon Chávez vs Chávez new documentary TV series
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 09 Jul 2026
  • ANDY RUIZ JR. PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
    , Thu, 09 Jul 2026
  • US based NM OJ Reyes eyes another title
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 09 Jul 2026
  • Legane fights on August 2 in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 08 Jul 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.