The specter of Antonio Margarito’s 2009 suspension for illegal hand wraps hung over today’s press conference for his November 13 fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who promotes both men, spoke passionately about Margarito’s situation as being an “injustice” against the legal system. Referencing his past as a lawyer, he framed Margarito’s current position opposite of Pacquiao as a triumph of their hard work to clear Margarito’s name.
“One thing I can’t tolerate is injustice, particularly in this country,” Arum said. “Antonio Margarito did not know that those hand wraps were illegal; not one shred of proof. Some writers says he got off because there wasn’t clear and convincing evidence. Bullshit! There wasn’t one shred of evidence! Inspectors from the California commission who have since been fired had testified in affidavits that the observed him with his hands being wrapped. They were willing to testify that he did not know.”
“Look, there is still justice in this country,” Arum continued.”And I don’t care what minority you come from, you’re entitled to the highest level of justice. Evidence is what convicts. Lack of evidence means there shouldn’t have been a penalty in the first place. He served his time and thanked God the people in the Texas boxing commission who reviewed all the testimony came to the same conclusion. That’s America, evidence determines guilt or innocence.”
Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz criticized writers who have called this championship fight a farce and Margarito a disgrace to the sport. While not proclaiming Margarito was innocent of any wrongdoing, he argued that the Tijuana Tornado had served his suspension and is entitled to resume his career. Koncz also defended the fight on business terms instead of ethical arguments, explaining the fight made the most financial sense in light of the second failed negotiations with Floyd Mayweather.
“I want to thank the media, it’s always good to have the support. But on the other hand I want to scold the media,” he stated. “The media that’s writing we shouldn’t be fighting Margarito, I think it’s absurd. He served his suspension, it’s over with. That was the most viable opponent for Manny to fight. It’s a business and we have to look at it that way. If you’re not going to support the fight, maybe don’t write anything about it…That’s all I’m asking for.”
Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs) himself is aware of the skepticism regarding if he is still an elite fighter a year and a half removed from a beating at the hands of Shane Mosley. Margarito’s May comeback bout hurt his profile as he displayed little of the ferocious aggression that he made him one of the most avoided fighters in boxing from 2006-2008.
With Pacquiao, he vowed to show he is still a top fighter.
“I’ve been asking for this fight for a long time,” Margarito said. “I’m very happy and motivated…Everything that’s happened is in the past, we are now in the present. It’s time to show everyone I’m still very good. No one wants to miss this fight.”
Pacquiao’s conditioning coach Alex Ariza dismissed concerns about Margarito’s size. At 5’6 and with a 67 inch reach, Pacquiao will be facing the biggest opponent of his career in Margarito, who stands 5’11 with a 73 inch reach. But Ariza notes Pacquiao has not only previously defeated bigger opponents like Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey, but he’s also dominated each bout. He believes this fight won’t be one-sided, and predicts boxing has found its Fight of the Year.
“We’ve always had a tough fight on our hands. Every fight we’ve been in [recently] the guy is bigger and stronger and supposed to do this that and the other,” Ariza detailed. “But Manny ultimately prevails, and he’s gonna prevail in this fight as well. Manny defines a fighter. He’ll show up anytime and any place, against whomever and whenever…It’s going to be a war. Margarito comes to battle [and] Manny comes to battle. I think it’s going to be Fight of the Year.”
Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) declined to address the debate on whether Margarito should be allowed fight and the criticism of this bout being for the WBC junior middleweight title. The Filipino icon instead praised Margarito’s fight style and believes it’s conducive to creating an explosive, action-packed fight
“I’m just a fighter doing my job. It’s going to be a great great fight,” Pacquiao promised. “I believe Margarito has capabilities to give a good show. His fighting style is very impressive and aggressive. He’s stronger and bigger than me, so we have to train hard to give a good show November 13.”
At the staredown, Margarito was much thicker and broader in his shoulders and chest area than Pacquiao. However, Pacquiao only appeared to be a few inches shorter. Manny didn’t take the face-off too seriously, jokingly tugging with Margarito on the WBC belt and breaking into a laugh during the staredown.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has confirmed his Dallas Stadium will be formatted to seat 70,000 fans. HBO will utilize their 24/7 series to lead into the November 13 PPV.
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