It was announced earlier this week that disgraced former welterweight titleholder Antonio Margarito (37-6, 27 KO’s) will return to the ring in his native Mexico on May 14th to take on journeyman Roberto Garcia (28-2, 21 KO’s). The bout will headline a “Latin Fury” PPV promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc.
Margarito was initially slated to return from a one year suspension on March 13th in Texas on the Manny Pacquiao – Joshua Clottey undercard. However, Margarito could not get licensed in the United States in time. He was suspended for attempting to enter the ring with gloves loaded with a plaster of paris like substance prior to his welterweight title defense against Shane Mosley in 2009.
Margarito, normally durable and sporting what was believed to be one of the best chins in boxing, wasn’t even competitive for a moment in the fight and was decisively knocked out in the 9th round. His poor performance after being caught trying to cheat has led to many questioning his previous wins – wins over elite fighters like Miguel Cotto, Kermit Cintron and Josh Clottey.
Now, there’s talk that he may eventually get a fight with pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. Is this fair?
(Teddy Atlas is bound to weigh in if this happens. He’s coming to New England soon http://www.examiner.com/x-34564-New-England-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m3d25-Atlas-Tessitore–ESPN-Coming-to-New-England)
Margarito tried to commit a crime that others have been banned from boxing and even thrown in jail for committing. Not only that, but without his loaded gloves, he got starched in a fight he was favored to win. Should the validity of his biggest wins now be in question? Considering the way Mosley whooped him, would Pacquiao do the same?
With Margarito and Pacquiao sharing the same promoter, Bob Arum, and Arum having a shaky relationship with Golden Boy Promotions – the company that has all of Pacman’s best opponents, this fight could happen.
Should it? You weigh in.
