Antonio Margarito Update

Last Wednesday, former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito’s petition for reinstatement of his boxing license was rejected by the California State Athletic Commission on a 5-1 vote.

The Tijuana native was suspended in 2009 when a “plaster-like” substance was discovered beneath his gloves just prior to a welterweight title bout with Sugar Shane Mosley.

On Monday, Margarito applied for a license with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) amidst rumors of a megafight with Manny Pacquiao in the works, to be hosted at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.  

Despite allegations that Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, has used his considerable influence to impact the probability of Margarito’s reinstatement in Texas, TDLR representative, Susan Stanford, recently dismissed the notion, stating that, “Antonio Margarito would be considered the same as than any other licensee.”

Stanford explained that all relevant information regarding the circumstances of the suspension would be considered in the decision making process, including the findings of the CSAC and all pertinent federal and state legislation.

The verdict will ultimately rest upon Executive Director William Kuntz, Jr., who made headlines in 2002 for refusing Mike Tyson a license citing, “Mr. Tyson’s pattern of unprofessional and unsportsmanlike conduct.” 

If denied, Margarito may request a hearing before a board of seven commissioners.  Stanford expects the decision to be rendered by the end of the week, although she emphasized that the process can take up to 10 days.