The Persecution of Antonio Margarito

By Scott Sanders I'm not going to make many new boxing friends writing this. I understand that Margarito is reviled by the majority of fight fans. And what he was accused of is a very serious offense. My question is, when does punishment turn into outright vindictiveness? Let's step aside and just examine the facts. Margarito was found to have illegal substances in his hand wraps before the Mosley fight. He was given a minimum of a one year suspension by the CSAC. The reality is that he is still suspended, as he has no license to box anywhere in the United States. So now it has been almost a year and a half and counting, with only a minor fight in Mexico to sustain him. There is zero evidence that he has ever actually hit another boxer with loaded gloves. People now are pointing fingers at the Cotto fight as well as others. Chronic cry babies like Kermit Cintron actually think that he is still unbeaten even after twice losing decisively. People point to the facial damage to Cotto as proof. That overlooks the fact that Cotto was hit plenty in that fight and has a history of suffering facial damage in fights. One of the common arguments against Margarito is that he hasn't shown enough remorse or contrition to be forgiven. That overlooks the fact that Margarito has steadily denied any knowledge of wrongdoing. He has fired his trainer and sat out his year off. Why would he apologize for something he has claimed he was unaware of? That would reveal him as both a cheater and a liar. Many will say it is impossible for him not to know what was in his handwraps, but some fighters (including Shane Mosley) have said it is very possible not to notice while focusing on a pending fight. That raises enough doubt to satisfy me. People are also ignoring that in every previous fight, the wrapping of his hands were signed off on by both the state commission and the opponents' representative. So, are we to believe that Nazeem Richardson was the only one sharp enough to catch this? Having viewed Margarito's comeback fight in Mexico, it was apparent that the wrapping of his hands was being carefully scrutinized. No doubt that it would be at least as thorough in any fight in the US. It is time to credit Margarito for time served and give him his license to fight in America. He didn't get away with anything. He should now be allowed to ply his trade and make a living. 6-8-2010

Comments (20)

I agree. I just think its silly when people try to believe this fairy tale about the creation of the united states. I said "is built" not "was built" Meaning, America today is quick to forgive people who show compassion and contrition, whether real or choreographed. I know America's history very well and it is not relevant to Margarito's situation.

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

lmao... yes it is... unfortunately i should've kept him out of my explenation At least you're real about it.:boxing:

15y ago

Motofan

He's a cheater who could have killed someone, and never owned up to it. Fuuck him. He doesnt deserve to box for a living.

15y ago

nachomas4

It is a whole other world but regardless of all the other points outside of the mosley fight nothing is proven. I know what I think about Margo but the bottom line is can they definitively prove he cheated outside of his camp's attempt in the mosley bout - if there is proof ban him for life. Otherwise unfortunately the "slap of the wrist" issued has been satisfied and completed. i sort of see your point, but just the thought of the Cotto fight and i amalmost sure he cheated

15y ago

nachomas4

Thats the same waaa waaa who jumped out of the ring on purpose. That :crying: has no credibility. lmao... yes it is... unfortunately i should've kept him out of my explenation

15y ago

Wood_Carver

this incident was brought by Tony unto himself. we talked about vindication, redemption, exactment... but what if Miguel honestly believed he was unfairly treated. how can that be reconciled. In my opinion, Tony will get his license eventually but not too soon. In my line of work such a license will never be granted no matter how much money spent to lobby. right now the boxing commission is still in a difficult position to explain it's approval, if any.

15y ago

ChiTown2Diego

Restos did the crime and paid the time and Margarito committed maybe a lesser crime, (see margarito vs cotto) but a slap on the wrist is hardly addressing the issue. he might just damga what could've been an incredible carrer in that of Miguel Cotto and who knows how many others. Cintron was quoted as saying that he's never been hit that hard. When rinidad was acussed of wrapping his hands illegally I felt shame and although I loved the fighter he was I always said that his power was suspect since that episode, but plaster in your gloves is a whole other world It is a whole other world but regardless of all the other points outside of the mosley fight nothing is proven. I know what I think about Margo but the bottom line is can they definitively prove he cheated outside of his camp's attempt in the mosley bout - if there is proof ban him for life. Otherwise unfortunately the "slap of the wrist" issued has been satisfied and completed.

15y ago

2501

The problem I have with this is that when Resto was caught, the sentence was much heftier. Why not Margarito's? Can you explain how both incidents are identical? In which Margarito fight was it discovered that the damage inflicted on his opponent was caused from illegal substances in his wraps? Further more, which incident, which you are referring to, resulted in the end of a fighter's career?

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

exactly, so what's your point now, huh? it is very much likely that when margarito got caught he had done it at least once before, if nothing else you can admit to that much right? The point is this, it could have very well been the first time. I don't have a problem saying it couldn't have been either. I don't swing from his nuts and look at things from one view. I look at all sides. Thats what separates me from many of you. I can be critical and see the flaws in all fighters, not just the ones my favorites are fighting.

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

Restos did the crime and paid the time and Margarito committed maybe a lesser crime, (see margarito vs cotto) but a slap on the wrist is hardly addressing the issue. he might just damga what could've been an incredible carrer in that of Miguel Cotto and who knows how many others. Cintron was quoted as saying that he's never been hit that hard. When rinidad was acussed of wrapping his hands illegally I felt shame and although I loved the fighter he was I always said that his power was suspect since that episode, but plaster in your gloves is a whole other world Thats the same waaa waaa who jumped out of the ring on purpose. That :crying: has no credibility.

15y ago

nachomas4

The first time. Its happened millions of times throughout history. exactly, so what's your point now, huh? it is very much likely that when margarito got caught he had done it at least once before, if nothing else you can admit to that much right?

15y ago

nachomas4

Simple and obvious. Resto caught after a bout (damage done). Margarito caught before bout (no physical damage done). Does that make it ok? No. Could the result have been just as bad or worse. Sure but he needs to punished (and was) for what his camp actually DID not for what didn't happen. I'm no longer a Margo fan but I would like to see Cotto Margo II Restos did the crime and paid the time and Margarito committed maybe a lesser crime, (see margarito vs cotto) but a slap on the wrist is hardly addressing the issue. he might just damga what could've been an incredible carrer in that of Miguel Cotto and who knows how many others. Cintron was quoted as saying that he's never been hit that hard. When rinidad was acussed of wrapping his hands illegally I felt shame and although I loved the fighter he was I always said that his power was suspect since that episode, but plaster in your gloves is a whole other world

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

A bit fallacious there; strawman slash weak-analogy..Regardless of all that, inquiring-minds will continue to make conjectures because Margs story makes little to no sense at all... In that case, Cottos story about not wanting a rematch because Margarito cheated makes little sense as well. Ask Shane Mosley.

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

it only take one time to get pregnant but how many times did she get f*cked before she got pregnant huh? it like when my moms caught me skipping class and i tried to sell her the b.s. that it had been my first time and the reason Margarito should be banned is simple, he had the intent to do damage. I hate the fact that cotto's people failed to do a better job when Marg's hands were being wrapped. therefore, there is no physical evidence other than Cotto's face and the pic with the coloring on the handwrap right after the fight was stopped. but the fact that he tried to do it to Mosley i more than enough. If a person attempts to kill another person and fails, he is still prosecuted to the fullest extent of the la and that is what needs to be done here. What would've happened if Mosley's people failed to discover that Mag was cheating or found out afterwards, if Marg had done to Mosley the same as Cotto. And anyone who believes that Marg was unaware of the substance on his glove is an idiot, ust like Mosley was unaware of the cream he used , its total b.s. The first time. Its happened millions of times throughout history.

15y ago

ChiTown2Diego

Still, in this country you get harsh sentences for intent. His suspension was a slap on the wrist. Agreed it was a slap on the wrist. But if you're not going to give the guy a life ban then grant his license upon completing suspension. Why string him along?

15y ago

nachomas4

It only takes one time to get pregnant and that one time, could be the first time. it only take one time to get pregnant but how many times did she get f*cked before she got pregnant huh? it like when my moms caught me skipping class and i tried to sell her the b.s. that it had been my first time and the reason Margarito should be banned is simple, he had the intent to do damage. I hate the fact that cotto's people failed to do a better job when Marg's hands were being wrapped. therefore, there is no physical evidence other than Cotto's face and the pic with the coloring on the handwrap right after the fight was stopped. but the fact that he tried to do it to Mosley i more than enough. If a person attempts to kill another person and fails, he is still prosecuted to the fullest extent of the la and that is what needs to be done here. What would've happened if Mosley's people failed to discover that Mag was cheating or found out afterwards, if Marg had done to Mosley the same as Cotto. And anyone who believes that Marg was unaware of the substance on his glove is an idiot, ust like Mosley was unaware of the cream he used , its total b.s.

15y ago

6Bound

It only takes one time to get pregnant and that one time, could be the first time. A bit fallacious there; strawman slash weak-analogy..Regardless of all that, inquiring-minds will continue to make conjectures because Margs story makes little to no sense at all...

15y ago

ChiTown2Diego

The problem I have with this is that when Resto was caught, the sentence was much heftier. Why not Margarito's? Simple and obvious. Resto caught after a bout (damage done). Margarito caught before bout (no physical damage done). Does that make it ok? No. Could the result have been just as bad or worse. Sure but he needs to punished (and was) for what his camp actually DID not for what didn't happen. I'm no longer a Margo fan but I would like to see Cotto Margo II

15y ago

Vasyls_dad

Margarito's acomplishments have a cloud over them just the it would be If Manny Pacquiao was 2 agree 2 osdt vs Mayweather and failed a drug test. His whole career would be looked upon with suspicion even though there is ZERO proof of him ever cheating in his previous fights. Like Margarito. That's what happens when your a cheater. Idk who's more pathetic, Tony or his supporters. How big is the cloud over Mosleys head?

15y ago

Tampatrader0468

I agree. I just think its silly when people try to believe this fairy tale about the creation of the united states. Completely agree with you in that regard...:usa:

15y ago