SOMEDAY Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito will have their long awaited rematch, but it will not be at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 3 as currently scheduled. This according to a source close to the situation. The New York State Athletic commission has already determined Margarito’s past history makes him ineligible to box Cotto in their locale.
This is a story that gets more baffling by the moment. Press conferences have taken place announcing the fight and the Garden is virtually sold out on the premise of the rematch, yet if Margarito is at the Garden on December 3, it will be in the role of a spectator and nothing more.
“The decision has already been made that Margarito will not be licensed for the bout. It was made a while ago” said the source who claims he is quite disgusted that no public announcement has been made yet.
When reached to comment, State Athletic Commission Chairwoman Melvina Lathan was non-committal. That in itself is a tell – tale sign that yes, there is validity to the fight being in danger of not happening.
The big question is why would the NYSAC wait to announce what is inevitable? “It is strictly a question of economics” said the source. “The longer they wait the more money the promotion makes. The show can go on anyway without Margarito.” But wouldn’t Top Rank the show’s promoter, be obligated to offer refunds? “Morally yes, but not legally as long as a show takes place” says the source. “And don’t think all parties are not aware of that.”
Some of this makes sense, some doesn’t. Cotto is a big draw with or without Margarito. His fans would swallow their disappointment at not seeing him get his opportunity for revenge, but would still enthusiastically support him no matter who the opponent was.
Getting someone to step in and replace Margarito on short notice will be much easier than thought. Two names instantly stand out, those being Vanes Martirosyan and Pawel Wolak. Both are in shape.
Martirosyan boxed recently. Wolak is currently in training for his rematch with Delvin Rodriguez scheduled for the Garden card. Of the two it would appear that Wolak would get the nod. Wolak is a local fighter and would pose a little less of a threat to the popular Puerto Rican than Martirosyan. Additionally, Wolak’s slam bang style would likely result in a more entertaining fight with Cotto.
