A few months before the scheduled fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito, the bout has faced a significant obstacle coming in the form of Margarito’s denied license in California.
Last year, Margarito faced suspension after an illegal substance that looked like plaster was found in his hand wraps just before a match against Shane Mosley in January 2009. As a result of the discovery, Margarito’s hands were re-wrapped and he subsequently lost his WBA title after the fight.
Unfortunately, even a year after the suspension, the state athletic commission voted and denied Margarito a license after spending five hours and 30 minutes deliberation in Los Angeles. Margarito testified and stated that he was innocent about the illegal wraps, blaming Javier Capetillo, his trainer. Capetillo was also suspended as a result of the investigation.
According to Commissioner Steve Alexander, “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…”
Top Rank, Pacquiao’s promotional company, has been aiming to pair Pacquiao and Margarito on November 13 either in Dallas or Las Vegas. Currently, it remains unclear whether Texas will grant Margarito a license to fight or not.