Why the NYSAC thought it was necessary to yank Antonio Margarito from the mountains of Mexico and force him to fly to New York for another physical examination two weeks before the fight is beyond me. That’s exactly what they did though, and at the 11th hour they finally licensed the former champion to fight. The show will go on and all of those who paid thousands of dollars on tickets and hotel rooms can breathe a little easier now.
This situation was straight up ugly and boxing once again is left looking foolish. On November 18th, the NYSAC told the attorney for Top Rank that he had one hour to get word to Margarito that he must agree to another examination by a physician of the NYSAC choosing or else they would not license him. The attorney was stunned, and rightfully so. Top Rank contacted Margarito and he agreed to the examination but asked if they could meet at a midway point to minimize the disruption to his training camp. The NYSAC denied that request, and forced him to fly all the way to New York instead.
It’s atrocious that the NYSAC would have a professional prize fighter break camp at such a late time. It’s not crazy that the NYSAC would want their doctor to clear Margarito, but it is crazy that this all happened two weeks prior to the fight. It’s dangerous and it poses a potential health risk to the fighter making him break camp in the 11th hour.
Let’s hope that something like this doesn’t happen again. Thankfully the show will go on and everyone who invested their money on tickets and hotel rooms can relax now.
