Los Angeles, CA:- Reports indicate that the California State Athletic Commission, after a hearing at Van Nuys, California, suspended Antonio Margarito and his trainer, Javier Capetillo. The suspension is the aftermath of an alleged incident involving hand wrappings that were thought to be illegally done prior to Margarito?s title defense against Shane Mosley at the Staples Center in this City.
It was further reported that Margarito and Capetillo were suspended for a year and will have an opportunity to re-apply for their licenses upon expiration of their suspension.
Personally, my initial reaction to the suspension is sheer disgust!
Frankly, it was a shame!
The fellows were caught with an illegal substance in the hand wrapping that could have caused serious damage to an opponent, let alone death.
And, they only gave them a one year suspension?
The fact that the Commission unanimously voted that they be suspended indicates the level of guilt of the duo and the overwhelming evidence of the violation.
The suspension is puny, if I may say so!
It was nothing but a cop-out on the part of the Commission.
Willful violations in boxing such as loading gloves should merit a lifetime ban from the sport. No more and no less!
Such violation is a conscious attempt to commit reckless aggravated assault.
Reckless?
Of course it was, because it showed extreme indifference to the value of human life!
The only reason the illegal wrappings were placed was the intent to hurt and knock-out the opponent. No one will believe that it was done simply to win by a decision.
That - shows callousness and low regard for the welfare of the opponent.
Therefore, a life time ban is warranted.
Many, particularly bleeding-heart liberals may disagree with me and may say a life-time ban is too harsh. Why deprive someone of a way of living for committing such a violation, they would say.
That is exactly my point!
Unless boxers and trainers know that committing such violations will endanger their livelihood, they will continue to do so.
Therefore, it is paramount that examples be set to show everyone that the powers that be who are mandated to protect the boxers from undue injuries, among others, are there to impose the rules.
Not merely slapping hands of those caught with the violations.
Boxing is dangerous enough even given the reduced amount of rounds (from 15 to 12 in championship bouts) and thicker gloves for certain weight divisions. People died from it.
Allowing rule violators an easy out for their infractions simply adds to the clear and present dangers in the sport.
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