Hey Mike:
Do you honestly believe that the fight should take place between Manny and “Margocheato” as you called Margarito should take place?
I know you are more than an avid fan of Manny and I’m sure as hell that you were treated very well (like a mini-royalty, perhaps?) when you were in the Philippines.
C’mon, why not write an article about your position about this like a real, unbiased, independent writer?
Thanks.
ROB BELTRAN
Dear Rob:
Guess you’re no relation to Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran.
I appreciate your letter and your question as a welcome relief from all the “Gayweather” and other racist and homophobic nonsense that litters not only the comments section under my columns but have turned nearly every boxing site into a toxic waste dump.
As far as “Margocheato” goes, I hesitant to sit in judgment of someone who has already been punished. You can’t take the one year ban of the California commission as a small measure.
Margarito’s appeal of his punishment is, however, troubling. I wonder if it’s just Bob Arum’s anger and stubborness that keeps his silly appeal going.
Not only will Margarito get a big purse against Pacman he may also enjoy a side deal with Winchell’s Donuts, where the tasty treats contain no plaster of any kind (Associated Press)
When the commission delivered its verdict, Arum went beserk and called the lawyer representing the state “a Nazi” to her face.
A witness to this told me that Arum even threw in a “Heil Hitler” arm salute in plain view of Karen B. Chappelle, the deputy supervising state attorney general.
Arum should have thanked his lucky stars that Chappelle was precluded from bringing in allegations that Margarito had illegal handwraps in Nevada when he brutally pounded Miguel Cotto.
Instead of this horrible insult, Arum should’ve been thankful that Cali let his fighter off so easy.
Does anyone in his right mind believe that a 50 fight veteran like Margarito had no inkling that trainer Javier Capetillo was the lone actor in this willful act which could’ve resulted in a serious injury or the death of opponent Sugar Shane Mosley?
There is also the lngering suspicion that Margoand and his shifty trainer had pulled this stunt previously, that it wasn’t a one off move.
Exhibit A against Antonio Margarito: Sealed handwrap taken from the Mexican fighter by California commission (Univision.com)
As I recall, Manny Pacquaio, Miguel Cotto and Oscar de la Hoya all came out and said publicly they did not believe that Margarito was innocent in the handwrap loading.
You might note that two out of the three fight under Uncle Bob’s promotional banner.
Of course this is the same flexible, versatile Uncle Bob who has said, time and time again, that cheaters Luis Resto (boxer) and Carlos “Panama” Lewis (trainer) completely deserved their lifetime ban from boxing.
The only difference, really, between what Resto and Lewis did, and served prison time for, is that they got nabbed after the Irish Billy Collins bout at Madison Square Garden. (The horsehair padding had been removed from Resto’s gloves thus turning them into something akin to brass knuckles.)
Resto never boxed again and Lewis has never been issues a cornerman’s license by any state.
On the positive side, Margo did not make a weasel move and try to get around his suspension. He could’ve slipped in a bout in Mexico or elsewhere but instead he sat idle and took the financial hit.
So, although he has yet to admit being complicit in “the crime,” Margarito took his medicine and did the time.
Nevada should’ve given Margarito his “ticket” to box on July 9.
I am convinced they will do so on Aug. 9 by either a 3-2 vote (with Reno guys TJ Day and Skip Avansino voting against while Las Vegans Pat Lundvall, Bill Brady and Cisco Aguilar vote in favor) or with a 5-0 count.
Margarito’s right to work is important. Let the man feed his family. Let the man fight Manny Pacquiao. He’s only getting the fight because Floyd Mayweather Jr. demurred.
Margarito has been punished enough. Lewis and Resto were punished too much.
As for being a “real, unbiased, independent” fight scribe, I try my best to be two out of three.
I confess to being biased just like all my colleagues. That’s a human condition. I’m sure there are people you like, people you don’t and some who you’re ambivalent about at your office or in your family circle.
How can anyone not like the surge of excitement Pacquiao has brought to boxing? He loves to fight and his enthusiasm is contagious.
As far as visiting Pacland, er I mean the Philippines, it was great mainly because of the friendly people I met. I’m hoping to go back soon.
Being treated like even “mini royalty?” Not really, I carry my own bags.
It keeps me humble and, trust me, I have a lot to be humble about.
