The rematch between junior middleweight titlist Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito is scheduled for Dec. 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The New York commission, which denied Margarito’s original application for a license after he applied for one on Oct. 31 because of the serious eye injury he suffered last year, held a three-hour-plus closed hearing on Wednesday in Manhattan at the request of Top Rank and Margarito after the initial license denial. The health of Margarito’s right eye was the central topic of conversation.
“Worst-case scenario is that they deny the license, and if they do, we have five other venues as backups,” Arum told ESPN, who declined to name the other venues. “But we are still going Dec. 3. We’re doing the fight. We have a license (for Margarito) from a few states. You play the hand that you’re dealt. I’m not going to get myself worried about it. Hopefully, the commission does the right thing and grants the license.”
The New York commission is considering whether to license Margarito despite the eye problems. Normally, the sort of injury and surgery that Margarito had disqualifies a fighter from being licensed in New York.
Margarito suffered a badly-broken orbital bone in his face, Margarito suffered a serious eye injury during a one-sided decision loss to Manny Pacquiao last Nov. 13 and has not fought since.
Before saying he would move the card to another state if Margarito was not licensed, Arum considered bringing in Vanes Martirosyan as a replacement for Margarito. Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and undefeated contender promoted by Top Rank, was told he might get the call and has been preparing for a possible fight.
Source ESPN.
I hope they let Margarito Fight. Man, I remember how Cotto looked unstoppable going into the Margarito fight, seems so long ago. This will be the battle to decide who’s got more left in the tank. Cotto vs Martirosyan looks interesting too, that guy’s been talking sh** for years, it’d be nice to finally see him step up in class.
I would like to see Margarito get a second opinion if the NYSAC’s doctor doesn’t not give the ‘go ahead’ to fight. Rushing to Texas or anywhere else on impulse would be irresponsible.
They will eventually license Margarito, if not Arum will move the fight. I’d much rather see the rematch instead of Vanes getting a shot, not that I don’t think he deserves it it’s just I’m way more pumped for the rematch. I agree though, we’re very close and these guys are barely now taking care of this potential roadblock not very bright on TR’s part
I agree with Jay. I thought these sort of issues got resolved sooner !!! WTF ??
Come on! we’re two weeks from a fight everyone wants to see. they couldnt have worked this b/s out earlier. New York is the place for this fight, give the guy an eye exam and call it a day. Vanes is a good fighter and I wouldnt mind watching him & Cotto “go at it” but thats not what we have all been waiting months to see. Vanes would be a good challenger for Cottos next title defense lol.
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