Pacquiao advisor thinks Margarito will get license, de la Hoya suggests alternative
In the third round of attempts to become a licensed professional fighter, Manny Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz thinks that Antonio Margarito will be approved by the Texas State Athletic Commission. Margarito’s license was revoked in February of last year after his gloves were found to be ‘loaded’ prior to a bout with Shane Mosley.
Koncz said he didn’t think obtaining the license will be a problem, since Top Rank “expected that [a recent rejection from California] but they will still be able to get him licensed in Texas.” Yesterday Margarito plead to have his license renewed by the California State Athletic Commission and was denied in a 5-1 vote. Due to an upcoming November 13th bout scheduled with Manny Pacquiao, it is necessary for him to obtain a license. In light of the circumstances, promoter Bob Arum has assured Texas is the best bet for the fight.
When asked about his opinion of the Margarito California decision, Koncz remained quiet but said that Margarito is “not under suspension anymore.” He added that he was “only under one year suspension, and served his time. They just don’t want to re-license him.”
Some were in favour of the California commission’s rejection of Margarito, while others suggested it was too stern and lacked evidence in its conclusions.
In related news, Oscar de la Hoya has continued to rally against Margarito’s possible reinstatement. Previously de la Hoya stated that he believes Margarito, for having loaded gloves, should be banned from boxing and not allowed to ever continue. Conveniently enough, the incident in question involved “Sugar “ Shane Mosley, who fights out of Golden Boy Promotions.
De la Hoya said that Pacquiao should take on Marquez a third time as opposed to Margarito in his next fight, since he is already licensed. “The case I want to make is that Marquez is right there, already licensed," he said.
Many speculate things would be more complicated than simple license credentials, though, in getting Marquez and Pacquiao in the ring again. Bob Arum promotes both Margarito and Pacquiao, making it an easy fight to arrange. Arum also hasn’t spoke to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer since January due to a dispute over a possible Pacquiao—Mayweather bout becoming personal and ugly.
All the same, de la Hoya said: "We feel if Golden Boy and Top Rank can make big fights, it's a win-win situation for everyone – the fighters and the fans. We're going to do what's best for the fans."
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