Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito II Stays in New York; Margarito OK to Fight

Miguel Cotto (36-2, 29 KO) vs. Antonio Margarito (38-7, 27 KO) II will commence as normal on December 3 in New York's famous Madison Square Garden.

According to Boxing Scene, the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSA) granted Margarito a license to box in New York City after initially rejecting his license based on injuries he sustained to his right eye.

These injuries include a broken orbital bone from a November 2010 clash with pound-for-pound No. 1 Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO). The bone has since been surgically repaired.

Some of the best ophthalmologists in the world had already cleared Margarito to box, according to legendary fight promoter Bob Arum, but the NYSA had become skeptical enough to further investigate.

After an additional exam this past Monday from NYSA hand-picked ophthalmologist Dr. Michael Goldstein, the NYSA granted Margarito his license back based on the evidence of the right eye's restored health. 

They had reason to be cautious of granting Margarito his boxing license back. His right eye suffered a detached retina, as well as a cataract that had to be removed in separate surgeries earlier in the year.

Margarito originally defeated Cotto the first time they met in the ring in 2008 at the welterweight (147 lbs) division. Now they meet three years later and in the light middleweight (154 lbs) division.