Margarito: "I will reappear in September. Next week they will let me know my rival"

Antonio Margarito To Make Ring Return: That was the headline today on most boxing websites, and it said it all. It revealed what most boxing fans have openly opposed. The return of a disgraced fighter who, in my opinion, should never again be permitted to fight professionally anywhere in this hemisphere. The article first appeared on the Mexican magazine ESTO website, and stated that the 30-year-old former 147-pound champion expects to be back in contention as early as September. High expectations, if I do say so, for a guy who is now fully suspected of using illegally loaded gloves over the past two years or more. The black listed welterweight also brazenly spoke today of how he has been diligently training in hopes of a triumphant return to action this fall. And, still taking no responsibility for his actions, Margocheato—as he has been aptly named—claims that "the butler did it." Well, not exactly, but he does put the onus on his trainer—who was also suspended—saying that the illegal substances in his hand wraps were applied without his knowledge (yeah right.) The exiled fighter also had this to say, "I have not stopped training because this month I will get my license given back to me by The California Athletic Commission." "My lawyers are working on that now. I will reappear in September. In the coming week, my company will let me know who will be my rival. I would like a ten round fight and then next fight for a world title." Seemingly without conscience, Margarito further stated, "I do not have a preference, but I want revenge against Mosley," Margarito continued. "I could also fight Cotto (again) or Manny Pacquiao because Mexico would love a Mexican to defeat the Filipino, and that will be Antonio Margarito." What makes him so confident that his fellow boxers and fans are going to welcome him back with open arms? A great question and one that will surely be answered in the coming months. Margarito lost his boxing license and also many of his loyal fans due to these events, but a man who suffered more than anyone is welterweight top gun Miguel Cotto. The tough Puerto Rican superstar boxer was battered bloody and badly bruised in a courageous losing effort against Margarito last year. This was another fight in which I, like many others, also believe that Margarito was using illegally loaded gloves. Cotto had beaten Sugar Shane Mosley and was nearing the top of the pound for pound ladder, when he was knocked backward and off by this disrespectful, cheating pugilist. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that this is a horrendous act committed by Margarito—a professional athlete, which could have killed or maimed one of his unsuspecting fellow fighters. Furthermore, as far as I'm concerned, the old adage applies here, that is "once a cheater always a cheater." And if there is a God, and I'm sure there is, I truly hope that he shines down upon The California Athletic Commission and allows them to do the right thing in this circumstance, which would be to deny Margarito his boxing licence. To further allow this irresponsible, incompetent fighter to continue his cheating ways not only would be putting the life of innocent pugilists in danger, but it would also be a detriment to the sport of boxing.