Antonio Margarito (37-6, 27 KOs) was considered the world’s top welterweight before he was beaten down by Shane Mosley on January 24, 2009. Mosley dominated Margarito, scoring a ninth-round knockout victory for a major upset in front of more than 20,000 fans at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Prior to the fight, California officials (upon request of inspection by Naazim Richardson) found an illegal pad that had been coated with a plaster-like substance inside it, something that had initially gone unnoticed by the commission inspector overseeing the hand-wrapping process. Then Margarito’s other hand wrap was cut off, checked, and it too contained an identical illegal pad.
At a hearing a few weeks later, Margarito’s plea of ignorance was rejected by the California State Athletic Commission, which revoked his license, along with that of trainer Javier Capetillo, on a 7-0 vote. The revocation effectively banned them from boxing in the United States for at least a year.
Bob Arum threatened to have Margarito’s fights take place in Mexico, but never followed through on those threats. Margarito quietly served his suspension and is now applying for reinstatement in the state of Texas. Therein lies the loophole, much to the chagrin of the “ban for life” crowd; there is nothing that prohibits Texas or any other commission in the United States from licensing Margarito once the year is up, with or without California’s approval.
Bob Arum has received the green light from the Association of Boxing Commissions, to seek reinstatement for Margarito, and is optimistic the Texas Commission will reinstate Margarito’s license. Arum is so optimistic he has already picked an opponent, who has already signed to fight Margarito.
Young Carson Jones (24-7-1, 15 KO) will be Margarito’s dance partner for the co-feature of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight in Dallas, Texas. Jones, who is coming off a TKO victory over the highly-touted Tyrone Brunson in December, fights next Thursday night in Oklahoma City before beginning training for Margarito.
Some feel that Margarito should be banned for life. Other feel a life ban would be too harsh. I base my opinion on the picture released by HBO that shows a pink substance around the corners of Margarito’s handwraps after he beat Miguel Cotto into submission. I look at that picture after I look at the blood running from Cotto’s ears, nose, mouth, and eyes and make my decision. If you are in the group that feels Margarito should be banned for life, consider the rumor that Arum has considered matching Margarito against Manny Pacquiao somewhere down the line. So is Margarito’s return too soon or not soon enough? Share your thoughts in the comments.
