I was granted access to the Margarito camp this week and was able to spend a lot of time with Roberto Garcia. The humble trainer was very confident and likes their chances of defeating the seven division world champion, Manny Pacquiao. The Wild Card Gym was just about impossible to get into, so this provided an opportunity to spend more time with team Margarito.
Garcia spoke to me about a lot of things, and also addressed the hand-wrap situation that got his fighter suspended from boxing. Team Margarito wanted to make it clear that the hand-wrap deal was not nearly as bad as the media and HBO and a few other sources blew it up to be.
When I sat down with Antonio Margarito and his team, I was able to hear their side of things. Margarito trainer Robert Garcia made me a mock example of what was used on Tony’s hands. When I looked at it, I was surprised. If this mock example is the same thing was actually used, then I would have to agree that the hand-wrap situation was blown completely out of hand.
LISTEN HERE for the audio podcast of Garcia and his explanation of the hand-wrap situation.
I was able to spend this time with team Margarito and learned that they all are a bunch of good folks who love boxing, and love to laugh and be with family. The gym in Oxnard was extremely friendly, and welcomed me with opened arms.
LISTEN HERE to the exclusive interview with Antonio Margarito
When I spoke with coach Garcia I asked him if he had any predictions, ” I don’t like to make them, but I will this time. I think we can knockout Manny Pacquiao around the 11th round.”
The experience in California this past week was both good and bad. Thankfully team Margarito were very gracious it made the trip to California a worthy and enjoyable time.
