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Antonio Margarito Bets On Himself For Pacquiao Fight In Affliction Deal
Antonio Margarito x AfflictionLos Angeles-based clothing company, Affliction, announced this week that they had inked a sponsorship deal with boxer Antonio Margarito they are dubbing "All or Nothing," in support of his upcoming fight against Manny Pacquiao in November.
Apparently, Margarito and Affliction have been working together for some time, but they had some interesting negotiations last week. The outcome was an "all or nothing" sponsorship deal based on the outcome of the fight.
The boxer's proposition was simple. Should he win the bout against the current champ, Pac-Man, he would go home with a decent chunk of change from the clothing company. However, should the pugilist lose, in what is surely the biggest fight of his career, he will forfeit his sponsorship fee all together.
"I have full confidence that I am going to beat Manny Pacquiao and this deal I have made with Affliction reinforces that confidence," said Margarito, a three-time world champion who has been sponsored by Affliction for his past three fights.
"The look of the Affliction clothing is perfect for my boxing style and I appreciate that they are willing to continue to support me for this fight. I will be taking their money home too."
Some may think Margarito is crazy for taking a gamble against Pacquiao, who many consider the reigning pound-for-pound king of boxing. But, Margarito has vowed to win the fight and even knock Pacquiao out.
And, this deal with the clothing line proves how much he believes he can.
But, Affliction is taking a gamble on Margarito as well. By backing the Mexican fighter, as he emerges from a suspension from the sport, they are putting themselves on the line. Margarito will be seen wearing his Affliction signature series shirt as he heads into the ring on fight night, but also during fight week events and on HBO's Emmy Award-winning series 24/7 as well.
In 2008, Affliction supported Margarito in his bout against Miguel Cotto, despite the fact he was considered the underdog. It ended in Margarito's favor, with the boxer winning the WBA Welterweight Championship title. His next fight was against Shane Mosley, who TKO'd the Mexican fighter in nine rounds.
However, following the fight, Margarito's license was revoked, after officials determined that his hand wraps were found to be illegal.
"Affliction believes in giving people second chances and Margarito deserves that opportunity with this fight and our support of his efforts," said Tom Atencio, head of Entertainment & Sports Marketing. "For his part, Margarito, who was once one of the most feared boxers in the welterweight class, has a lot at stake in the upcoming match. He fights not only for the WBC title, but also for his reputation and the respect of fans. Although he is under a lot of scrutiny, his decision to not play things safely shows heart, and there's something to be said for that kind of determination."
Margarito's fight against Pacquiao will take place in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, November 13.
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