Bob Arum isn?t going to like this one.
While laboratory tests have proved conclusively that illegal substances were placed in Antonio Margarito?s handwraps before he fought and lost to Sugar Shane Mosley, Arum has gone to radio silence, a sharp contrast to his previous public posturing and abrasive defense of Margacheato.
Now Top Rank superstar Miguel Cotto has come out and said the one-year suspension handed to Margarito and trainer Javier Capetillo is not punishment fitting the crime. Mosley trainer Naazim Richardson spotted the handwraps and blew the whistle on Margarito before Mosley trounced the Mexican star in Los Angeles.
Cotto, who was brutally beaten in a KO loss in Las Vegas by Margarito, is calling for the Panama Lewis treatment?a lifetime ban from boxing?for the former champion.
My initial reaction is that a permanent ban is harsh considering that the cheating handwraps were confiscated and thus did no physical damage to Mosley. I could agree with a lifetime ban for Capetillo who, after all, is like the guy who loaded the gun or, in this case, wrapped Margarito?s fists.
Unless and until charges are made that Margarito cheated like this in other bouts, I believe the one-year penalty is sufficient and that if the fighter shows proper remorse upon reapplication he should be given all consideration for same.
Cotto, who has good reason to wonder if Margy?s wraps were also loaded when they fought in Nevada, has been less than happy with Arum?s constant preaching about how Margarito was wrongfully accused and how the California commission ban would be appealed.
Cotto?s latest remarks will add fuel to the fire and give added credence to the persistent rumor that the Puerto Rican puncher plays to go elsewhere when his Top Rank contract expires at the end of 2009.
In keeping with a recent trend in boxing at the highest level, it is likely that Cotto would go forward with a self-directed managerial and promotional setup.
