The fight is a scheduled pay-per-view event on HBO.
Margarito suffered a severe eye injury during his fight against Manny Pacquiao a year ago, including a fractured orbital bone. That required surgery, which led to a large cataract in the eye, which was originally thought to be career-ending. However, the cataract was removed by noted eye surgeon Alan Crandall, and an artificial lens was implanted in Margarito’s right eye.
The commission’s ordering the eye test two weeks before the fight infuriated Top Rank President Todd duBoef, whose company promotes both fighters.
“They could have done this weeks ago. It’s irresponsible by them. They have total disregard. They don’t care,” duBoef said about the three-person commission.
“If you say there’s a hard and fast rule that you can’t have this surgery and fight, why don’t you tell us? They got the first medical report back in October. Instead, they engaged three doctors on the New York Commission with Crandall.
“They took diligent notes, asked tons of questions, and then called Margarito back ? to prove tests that showed he would be good to fight.”
The commission originally denied Margarito’s request for a license to box in New York a few weeks ago, but Margarito Top Rank requested a hearing to reconsider the application. That hearing was held Wednesday.
