The Texas State Athletic commission has granted a license to former world champion Antonio Margarito, or "Margacheato" as he is so affectionately referred to by some. This is despite the fact that California denied him the right to fight in their state. Now a fight between Pound-for-Pound king Manny Pacquiao and Margarito is a certainty.
The matchup is being heavily criticized. Many feel that it's wrong on several different levels.
1. Margarito is an (attempted) cheater and doesn't deserve the opportunity to fight Pacquiao.
Jose Silva of Lowell, Arkansas said, "They should really make an example of Margarito. He shouldn't be allowed to fight anymore. That would show boxers who are tempted to cheat what happens when you get caught."
Many boxing fans that I've spoken to agree with Silva on this point.
Dale Pippin of Seligman compared Margarito's attempted crime to the incident that occurred during the 1983 Louis Resto vs. Billy Collins Jr. fight. After Collins took a horrendous beating for 10 rounds, it was discovered that Resto's trainer Panama Lewis had removed some of the padding from his fighter's gloves. In 1986, Lewis and Resto were found guilty of assault, criminal possession of a weapon (Resto's hands) and conspiracy. Resto served 2 1/2 years in prison. He was never allowed to fight again.
Fast forward to January 24, 2009. Margarito was preparing to step into the ring with Shane Mosley. It was discovered that there was some hard, "Plaster of Paris" like strips in his handwraps. Hands were rewrapped, the fight went on, and Mosley preceded to beat Margarito half to death, stopping him in Rnd. 9. Margarito was suspended from boxing in the United States.
There is one clear difference in Resto and Margarito. Resto was caught after he cheated, while Margarito was caught before committing a crime. Margarito also maintains that he wasn't aware that anything was being placed in his handwraps by former trainer Javier Capetillo. Still, it is the opinion of many that Margarito should be banned from boxing for life. Instead, Margarito is being rewarded with a huge payday in a fight with the current king of boxing.
This is yet another black eye to the sport, and boxing afficianados ain't diggin' it. Yahoo boxing columnist, Kevin Iole recently penned "Margarito’s return should make fans nauseous". The respected scribe obviously isn't happy about the decision to give Margarito the opportunity to fight Pacquiao.
2. Manny Pacquiao is the "Catchweight King" and this is how he manages to beat bigger, stronger fighters.
At this point, Manny Pacquiao has only fought one fight at a catchweight. Did you get that? That's his grand total of catchweight fights. One. Uno. (1) He certainly doesn't deserve to be referred to as the "Catweight King".
Catchweights actually do serve a purpose. They sometimes allow fights to be made that otherwise wouldn't. Catchweights make it possible for a smaller fighter and a bigger fighter to compromise, and it should be noted that some great fights have been made as a result of this type of compromise.
Catchweights weren't invented by Manny Pacquiao or Bob Arum. They are nothing new.
In 1940, Henry Armstrong fought Law Jenkins at a catchweight of 140 for a welterweight fight. Sugar Ray Leonard vs Donny Lalond, Roy Jones Jr. vs Felix Trinidad, Jose Luis Castillo vs Diego Corrales and Julio Cesar Chavez vs Pernell Whitaker were all fought at catchweights.
Does Pacquiao actually need a catchweight for the Margarito fight? No.
Allowing Margarito to weigh in at 154 instead of 150 wouldn't change the outcome of the fight.
Tomasz Adamek weighed in a full 44 lbs lighter that Michael Grant last Saturday night. If Adamek wasn't worried about 44 lbs, Team Pacquiao doesn't need to be worried about 4.
The fact of the matter is that Pacquiao has never fought at light middleweight and even has to drastically increase his caloric intake during training just to keep from losing weight.
Margarito has fought at welterweight for most of his career, so making 150 lbs obviously won't be a problem for him.
3. How can this be a title fight for the vacant WBC light middleweight division when neither fighter has established himself in the weight class?
W.M. is a Pacquiao fan who asked not to be identified. He said, "I don't like it at all. I know for sure this is just a way to give Manny another title. I am 100% sure of this."
It is up to the sanctioning body to choose who deserves the honor of fighting for a vacant title, and while Pacquiao's acheivments are momentous, and Margarito is a former world champ, neither of them are actually light middleweights. There are plenty of fighters who have toiled in the light middleweight division who would love a chance to fight for that title.
Boxing fan Raye Santiago said, "To be honest, I want them to fight in 147 so there's no catch weight. They are both welterweights. it's just unfair to the other light middleweight contenders, but Manny just wants to fight who's being lined in front of him. We want Floyd but he doesn't seem interested as of now."
4. It is what it is, and fans will make the best of it.
Whether you agree or disagree about Margarito being Pacquiao's next opponent, the inclusion of a catchweight or the fight being a WBA title fight, the matchup itself is actually a pretty good one.
It's not Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, but it's Pacquiao vs. a strong, resiliant, hard-punching opponent. It's sure to be a tough night for both pugilists.
The fight will take place at Cowboy's Stadium in Dallas, where 50, 994 fans showed up last March 13 to witness the lackluster Joshua Clottey serve as Pacquiao's mobile punching bag for the full 12 rounds.
Right or wrong, the fight is going to happen, and it's going to give Pacquiao the opportunity to fight for an 8th world title.
Boxing fans might as well sit back and enjoy the show.
It should be a good one.
Contact Lorne: mailto:scrimmer1@hotmail.com
Comments
Whoever he will fight I doesn't concerned me at all as long as it's fair for both camps and agreed to fight........Margarito is a sure opponent as fans we can talk all we want but we can't change the decision of Arum.....one thing for sure this will be a slugfest! there will blod and black for sure not the same fight of Mosley and floyd not even a bruised
Agree!!! People this is BOXING!!! both camps agreed to fight on a catchweight...so what made some people righteous...if you dont like the catchweight. DON'T WATCH!!!
One comment on loggins though...KEVIN "Pay-Per-Write" iole...is a hired writer by Golden Boy DelaHoya & gayweather...He's NOt respected!!! He's respects only Money paid to him by GBP & Floydie!!!!
Wrong. Kevin Iole is one of the most respected boxing writers in the world. The fact that you disagree doesn't change that reality.
boxing will always be the dying business even with pacman around...i pity for the sport after pacman and mayweather there will be shortage of great talents!!!i'll go for mma for life!!!!!!!
boxing will always be the dying business even with pacman around...i pity for the sport after pacman and mayweather there will be shortage of great talents!!!i'll go for mma for life!!!!!!!
hey if you think this fight is a sham, just dont watch it dickheads, the rest of us just wants to see a great fight and this two guys will bring it.
thats correct..both camps will agreed...so what's the difference? not like mayweather..he can't stand with his pride..only on his big mouth...fight pacquaio for a better money ( by knockout )
How do you feel about Shane Mosley? Someone who actually cheated, not just attempting to cheat, and fought several times despite the cheating.
I don't understand want the fuss is about margarito. Yes, he cheated! But at least he doesn't back out from any fight like Mayneverweather.
i am a pacfan but i disagree that the fight will be at catchweight and for a vacant jr middle title. boxing sport is getting worse....
AND THE WAY YOU THINK IS FAR MORE WORST THAN I EVER IMAGINE... WHY DONT YOU JUST OPEN UP YOUR MIND? ITS ALL UP TO THE COMMISION PAL.. THEY RULED IT AND THEY KNOW THEY RULED IT RIGHT! THEY WILL NOT JUST COME TO AN AGREEMENT OR RULINGS IF THE JKNOW THAT THE COMMISION WILL BE COMPROMISED... THINK PAL, THINK... HOW MANY MORE LIKE YOU ARE LURKING IN THE DARK???? GO TO THE LIGHT PAL SO YOULL SEE WHAT YOURE LOOKING FOR.
Light Middleweight limit is 148-154 lbs and not just 154 lbs so what's the problem?
Manila Boy, apply for a position as one of the ruling body of WBC,so you could have a say on their dicision. But do you have the qualifications?
A well said mr author! The very important here is that margarito has given a license to fight again and he is very willing to fight d p4p king manny pacquiao, not like mayweather. What if pacman beat margarito in a lopsided fight, i guess mayweather will be much much more scare with pacman and so d proposed fight of these two boxer will hamper again due to mayweather cowardness. Lol
This is an excellent match up as far as I am concern, Margarito is a legitimate opponent for Manny and has more than a chance to win. He is big, strong and and has a lot of experience. Those who are complaining about the match should just stay home and watch mma or another tv show and stop bitching about who Pacman should fight. If you are the promoter yes, you can have a say but otherwise shut your fucking mouth.
If floydiecaine is scared, Margarito ie willing and has the courage to face the pacman. so let's get it on
I do believe that pac-cheato should not be made to come through cuz he deserves to be banned forever. However, what i dont seem to understand is that, why some writers are hard pressing the case of cheato, wherein fact Shane Mosley was also found cheating with BALCO, and has the same "COACH-only-knows" alibies.. could it be that he is exempted for being an american? How about Gayweather, CONFIRMED user of Xylo... (illegal in most states) , but still, they worship him like his all-natural-clean-athlete... maybe its just racial, or maybe its just me? ^__^
well said pal....
These floydiots should know that their IDOL is a confirmed cheater too....
Let's just move on and forget all about the fake p4p king Floyd Mayweather. He is enjoying his vacation. We have no right to disturb him in his vacation. For as long as the Pacman is around, let him go on vacation.....a very very long vacation until the Pacman officially retires. Let him exhaut all his money, brandishing or flaunting his dollars until one day we meet him on the streets begging for food, no friends, no money, no girls, no bodyguards, no expensive cars, no mansions.
Meantime, let's have what is on hand, who are more than willing to give us entertainment. No ifs, no buts, no alibis, no out of the earth and ridiculous drug-testing demands and outlandish revenue sharing conditions. Just the fight we want. Just let us bring the fight on. ok, FOLKS??
So what????? It's still a good fight. no running and dancing. At least he has the guts. Just forget about Maynever, boxing must go on without him....
I do believe that pac-cheato should not be made to come through cuz he deserves to be banned forever. BUT, what i dont seem to understand is that, why some writers are hard pressing the case of cheato, wherein fact Shane Mosley was also found cheating with BALCO, and has the same "COACH-only-knows" alibies.. could it be that he is exempted for being an american? How about Gayweather, CONFIRMED user of Xylo... (illegal in most states) , but still, they worship him like his all-natural-clean-athlete... maybe its just racial, or maybe its just me? ^__^
I do believe that pac-cheato should not be made to come through cuz he deserves to be banned forever. BUT, what i dont seem to understand is that, why some writers are hard pressing the case of cheato, wherein fact Shane Mosley was also found cheating with BALCO, and has the same "COACH-only-knows" alibies.. could it be that he is exempted for being an american? How about Gayweather, CONFIRMED user of Xylo... (illegal in most states) , but still, they worship him like his all-natural-clean-athlete... maybe its just racial, or maybe its just me? ^__^
I do believe that pac-cheato should not be made to come through cuz he deserves to be banned forever. BUT, what i dont seem to understand is that, why some writers are hard pressing the case of cheato, wherein fact Shane Mosley was also found cheating with BALCO, and has the same "COACH-only-knows" alibies.. could it be that he is exempted for being an american? How about Gayweather, CONFIRMED user of Xylo... (illegal in most states) , but still, they worship him like his all-natural-clean-athlete... maybe its just racial, or maybe its just me? ^__^
Pacquiao is truly concerned about heavier men and besides taller men. He is not fighting heavy and bigger men since he won the title against david diaz.. He fight a non-title at welterweight limit against Oscar De La Hoya because freddie roach knows de la hoya very well. He said "Oscar cannot full the trigger anynore". He fight cotto under catweight contract because freddie and manny knows about cotto. He is a real treat to manny. Since, the fight was done, manny knows that he can take the punch at welterweight division eventhough manny suffers broken eardrum. He defend his title to clottey in a full welterweight limit since he neutralizes that weight after defeating de la hoya and cotto. Now, pacquiao wants to attempt another title shot at 8 division, since this weight limit is not a joke and in fact margarito is also a real danger because of his height and reached advantage. Manny knows that he is fit to lightweight or jr. welterweight limit. The only weapon he carry when he fight margarito is... "SPEED" and i don't know the "POWER". He didn't even knock de la hoya or clottey eventhough he gave a lot of punches or a power punches because we know pacquiao structure. He stands only 5'6". He ate 5 times a day in order to gain more weight. I know, we know, that this is not the ideal weight limit of manny pacquiao.....
kid..
E.STEWaRd, COTTOs new trainer said that Miguel told him that the weight or catchweight didnt bother him at all, his main problem on the PAC fight was the speed.. He said that he didnt see where the punches are coming from..
and FYI, PAC made Oscar quit after the 8th round, that is called a T.K.O. victory.. if the fight continued, Oscar will end up on a stretcher, do you want that to happen to Oscar??? and for Clottey.. how can you KO someone who didnt came to fight??? youre just a hater, a jealous hater thats what you are.....
Why Sugar Ray Leonard, he fought at catch weight against DON LALONDE. And Won the WBC Light Heavyweight and Super Middleweight Titles.
Lorne Scoggins what can you say about that?
About Dela Hoya and Hopkins who fought at cathc weight.
Roy Jones, Trinidad, Mayorga, Vargas, Pavlik, Tayor... etc etc
NOW THAT PACMAN-MARGARITO IS A DONE DEAL, LETS JUST WAIT FOR COWARD FLOYD TO ANNOUNCE HIS COMING FIGHT! HE'S SO SUCCESFUL IN DUCKING PACMAN HE HE HE HE
To Brinz:
How can Pacquiao KO de la Hoya? Dela Hoya quit the fight on the 9th with his handsome face mauled and disfigured beyond recognition?
they should fight for the welterweight title of pacquiao.
well said,,, true true,,,
Those who are complaining about the match should just stay home and watch mma or another tv show and stop bitching about who Pacman should fight. If you are the promoter yes, you can have a say but otherwise shut your fucking mouth.
LORN SCOGGIN IS ANOTHER DICKHEAD ASSHOLE..I DONT CARE WHAT THE F@CK YOU ARE THINKING...
LORN SCOGGIN IS ANOTHER DICKHEAD ASSHOLE..I DONT CARE WHAT THE F@CK YOU ARE THINKING...
AND YOU ARE INDEED A BRAINLESS MORON! GET A LIFE PAL.... JUST ACCEPT THE FACT THAT PACMAN IS FAR BETTER THAN YOUR COWARD FMJR! PACMAN FIGHTS FOR HIS FANS, AND ITS ALL ABOUT CHALLENGE!!! HE DOESNT CARE ABOUT THE BELTS WHATSOEVER.. SO WHAT ABOUT YOUR FLOYDIE? DOES HE "REALLY" CARE ABOUT YOU??? ASK YOURSELF DICKHEAD!
CORRECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 IT'S WBC NOT WBA!!!!
COTTO HOLDS THE WBA WHEN HE KICK YURI FOREMAN'S ASS! SO CHEATO AND PAC WILL FIGHT FOR THE VACANT WBC BELT
WHEN IT COMES TO CONGRESSMAN PACMAN, ALL PACHATERS ARE BRAIN-SEALED WITH ENVY. THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY EXPLANATION ABOUT THE RULES OF BOXING EVEN IF ITS RULED BY THE COMMISION.. THEY ARE ONLY AFTER THAT ARROGANT COWARD FMJR SHOWBOTING! DOES HE CARES??? PACHATERS ARE NO MORE NO LESS AN ASS-LICKER OF THAT SHAMEFUL FLOYDIE. ENVY REALLY KILLS, THAT EXACTLY WHATS HAPPENING TO ALL PACHATERS OUT THERE... VERY PITY PEOPLE.
catch weight is an equal way for a small fighter to fight larger fighter... now my question is why does the bigger fighter agree for that catch weight? because the larger fighter knows that there is no problem taking it and it will doesn't affect his ability. pacman fighting also on weight up and down, doesn't it satisfy on fighters and fan?
fUCK YOUR ASSSH Mr. Scoggins who told you that Manny is CatchWeight king??? fuck your asssh motger fucker....
Read the article again. He actually said that Pacquiao does NOT deserve to be called the catchweight king.
This guy is fucking stupid ^^ does he know how to read???
This fight should not happen Margarito Vs. Pacman if mother fucker Floyed Mayweather agreed to fight Manny Pacman your American fighter run-away she is very clear stupid and afraid...
dalawa na silang tanga na title lang ng article yata ang binasa... ang bobobo. mumurahin ang writer eh hindi nmn pala nila alam kung ano talaga ang laman ng sinulat.
Fuck this writer, catchweight king fuck you Lorne... put Gayweather in front of Pacman. we'll fight him anytime... fuck you Lorne
Now that you've read the title, try reading the actual article.
Kawawa ka naman. Putak ka nagn putak, hindi mo naiintindihan ang article. Nakakahiya ang mga katulad mo.
I can't help thinking about how many m.....f.....rs and s..ts are flying from the mouths of the Mayweathers. I mean, those who are envious of Manny Pacquiao and his ability to "steamroll" bigger opponents, either just don't watch the fight or better yet, stop being envious. Just look at your middle finger and little finger - that's how the fight looks like. Pacquiao is willing to fight the bigger man, irregardless of whether a plaster stuff is used. Even commentators of PPV or TV boxing events are also envious, because if Pacquiao beat Margarito, then no one one earth can possibly surpass such unbelievable feat. Even one commentator of HBO is envious of Friddie Roach, apparently because he is the trainer of Pacquiao. Quit comparing weights in the heavyweight division or catchweights. Why harps about "level playing field" as he blugeoned a bloated JMM for his fans to be happy about, when we have one incredible, real McCoy of boxing in Pacquiao. Not incredibe Hulk but incredible Pacquiao!
MR SCOGGINS, WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS CRITICISING THE DOING OF THE PACMAN CAMP,, WHY CANT YOU NOT CRITIZISE YOUR IDOL COWARD CHICKEN FLOYD,, HOW MUCH DOES HE PAY YOU,, ILL PAY YOU MORE JUST TO BE NEUTRAL.. ARE YOU A TRUE JOURNALIST? OR A PAID HACK?
How did you come to a conclusion that the writer is always criticizing Pacquiao?
It's either you didn't read the whole article or you just don't understand the article.
bobo nmn ng jeromet na to... hindi yata marunong umintindi ng english kaya iba ang intindi sa article... kawawa naman. nakakahiya pa tuloy.
Pages
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!