Margarito licensing verdict – still refused

Antonio Margarito appeared before the California Athletic State Commission in order to regain his license ahead of a potential fight with Manny Pacquiao fight in November and it appears that the commission feels that Margarito has not served his time as they refused him his license.

Margarito had his license revoked following his WBA welterweight title fight with Shane Mosley in January 2009 after he was found to have illegal knuckle pads inserted into his hand wraps.

The commission expressed concern that other fighters could follow suit and cite his case and punishment if they were caught cheating and although Margarito did apologise, he still maintained he was unaware that the pad had been placed inside his wraps.

Commisoner Steve Alexander said:

“There is a concept in business that you can delegate authority but not responsibility, I hope that the message that goes out here is that the commission operates fairly, openly and transparently.

“Public protection is at the heart and soul of this commission. Period.”

The decision puts Margarito’s potential November 13th bout with Manny Pacquiao, in jeopardy as Margarito stated he intended to apply for a license in Texas, where the fight was going to be, if he was successful in obtaining a license in California, the state that initially revoked his license.

Although they are not obliged to do so athletic state commissions tend to work in compliance meaning Texas are also likely to turn down any licensing request and thus leaving Abu Dhabi and Mexico as potential venues.

Related posts: