By Michael Marley, courtesy of The Examiner

He may give Manny Pacquiao a fight come the night of Nov. 13, likely to be hosted by the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but troubled Antonio Margarito, isn't giving him one in fight negotiations.

The two, the Pinoy Idol and the hoping for ring redemption Mexican, are at different ends of the boxing status pole and, according to their promoter Bob Arum, "Tone Loc" as I like to call the Tijuana fighter has already conceded regarding the WBC super welterweight title bout being contested at a catch weight of 150 pounds, four below the division limit.

Arum explained the situation Sunday afternoon by phone and it was another reminder, besides the financial advantages, why promoters love to stage "in house" promotions.

"The catch-weight is not an issue just it wasn't for (Miguel) Cotto, coming in at 145, to fight Manny," Arum said. "Margarito faces difficulty making 147 but there is an understanding about the three extra pounds between the parties."

Pacman lawyer Franklin Gacal told the Manila Bulletin Sunday that Megamanny would request a catch weight but Arum said it's a non-issue.

Meanwhile, Pacman adviser Michael Koncz remains in Las Vegas awaiting a final package to deliver to the Congressmanny for the November bout which is a sad substitute for the ultimate showdown against unbeaten American icon Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Although Margarito, banished for one year by California after he was nabbed in a Los Angeles dressing room with loaded handwraps before losing to Shane Mosley, has a second license appearance before the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Aug. 9, Arum thinks he will be able to resolve site details--the MGM Grand or Monterrey, Mexico--well before then.

"We will let everything play out," Arum said. "I do know other states are very, very angry that California predicates a Margarito license on Antonio dropping his court appeal of their original decision.

I'm going to move on the situation shortly and I'll not limit myself to Las Vegas or Monterrey. I am not threatening anyone, I'm just saying we're exploring everything."

Arum did admit that there has been no substantial follow up on interest from Middle East parties as to hosting a Pacquiao bout but said Koncz continues to monitor that angle.

A 3-2 vote in favor of giving "Margocheato" his ticket in Nevada does the job for Top Rank and the MGM Grand.

Arum thinks the key may be commissioners and Las Vegans Pat Lundvall (chairperson), Bill Brady and lawyer Cisco Aguilar.

Commissioners TJ Brady and Skip Avansino, both from Reno some 500 miles north of Vegas, often "vote in lockstep" according to one person familiar with the NSAC's inner workings.

Lundvall was opposed to the boxing board tabling the fighter's application when last they met and has made comments about the gambling mecca needing the financial stiumulus a big fight gives the city.

"Brady seems to be on the fence," one source told me.

Arum refused to comment on how he thought the individual commissioners would vote.

"We've got to let it all play out but we're not standing still in the meantime," Arum said.