Antonio Margarito’s Next Fight?

Special Report from CA License Hearing

YES, in these photos from Wednesday, Antonio Margarito and the “Tijuana Tornado” team are all smiling.

But NO, as you’ve heard by now the former champ did not receive a new license to box in the State of California.

The exclusive pics were taken during the first break of the special California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) meeting in which the beleaguered boxer was petitioning for a license to fight again. There were smiles at the time, as they were understandably still cautiously optimistic in hoping to be granted a new license.

In this report, you’ll hear what the day was like as the fighter (38-6, 27 KOs) met with the commission to request that new license.

After entering the metal detector area, the security guards informed me that the meeting has been moved to a larger area to accommodate the expected crowd. They also added that many people arrived early, including the fighter. “He’s already here!” one of the city employees told me. As we made our way to the auditorium, there were signs pointing toward the “Antonio Margarito Reinstatement Hearing.” Finding the room, a polite gentlemen held the door open for us. I recognized him as Che Guevara, who was the inspector during the seizing of the illegal inserts back in January 2009. “This must be the place,” I said as we entered the room.

During last year’s hearing it was standing room only in a tense, highly-charged atmosphere. This meeting had a much different feel, a muted vibe with a very respectful demeanor from everyone in the auditorium. Seating on stage was the CSAC quorum; seated in the first row facing the commission was the boxer. Nearby was his current trainer Robert Garcia, co-manager Sergio Espinoza, Top Rank’s Bruce Trampler, among many other supporters including wife, Michelle.

The only agenda of the day was for the 32-year-old pro fighter. If you need to be reminded, the Margarito camp was found to have violated Rule 323 (which limits the amount and type of gauze/tape; you cannot have anything irregular in your hand wraps) with the finding of calcium and sulphur (Plaster of Paris-like substance) in the knuckle inserts before this fight against Shane Mosley at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 24, 2009. For this infraction, the pugilist’s license (and his trainer at the time Javier Capetillo) was first temporarily suspended and then revoked for the minimum one year (with the other U.S. states honoring this decision).

Since the Mosley fight, the saga of the Mexican brawler has been making headlines after those seized illegal knuckle pads were bagged and tagged as evidence before his Mosley defeat. I was at this fight and have subsequently watched the whole story unfold in the headlines. Although Tony’s tale seems to have come full circle this past week with him facing the California commission that revoked his license for a minimum of one year, the story’s not over yet.

In the venue, there was a large screen readied for a Power Point presentation and after the Pledge of Allegiance was conducted the meeting got underway. At times, it was reminiscent of a school assembly as the observers listened to speeches and viewed photos and outline points on the overhead screen. Garnering worldwide interest, there were several cameras capturing all the live proceedings and the crowd was reminded that a phone conference with other states in the U.S. was also being held simultaneously. I watched and listened in person up until the lunch break then, due to a prior commitment, finished observing the hearing on the Top Rank live stream.

During the proceedings, I could see Tony looking up at the projected images and also reading the paperwork placed before him. Put upon him was the “Burden of Proof,” proof of his rehabilitation since the scandalous incident took place. For the former WBO, IBF and WBA Welterweight titlist, at stake was his career and livelihood as a professional boxer. With a stoic reserve, Margarito offered sincere regret and remorse stating to the commission seated before him, “They are the ones that revoked my license; I am throwing myself at the mercy of them.”

In July, Margarito applied for a license to fight in Nevada, with the 4-1 decision being tabled to California…which brings us to this Wednesday meeting. Many in boxing circles thought the commission would grant his a new license; many were surprised by the decision to deny his license. But this current commission (self-described at the proceedings as relatively new with Executive Officer George Dodd appointed earlier this year) announced from their posts during various times in the meeting that they want to “preserve the integrity of boxing” as they “pledge to oversee the safety of the boxers.” The mood was professional as they also expressed from the outset that they will be “fair and not intimidated” during the special agenda meeting with “Petitioner” Mr. Antonio Margarito.

With photos and testimony about the “clear and convincing evidence adulterated hand wraps” found on Margarito, the burden of proof weighed heavily on the boxer. Chappelle implored the commission, saying the petitioner “had opportunities to come clean, admit wrongdoing; he had opportunities in California, Nevada, Texas and again today.” For several hours, statements were made by both sides.

“I’m here to answer any questions not only to the commission but to the whole world,” the Tijuana fighter offered.

For over five hours there were testimonies, arguments, rebuttals and deliberations from CSAC’s Karen Chappelle, Supervising Deputy Attorney General for the licensing commission, and Daniel Petrocelli who was representing Margarito, who was aided by two translators (one for the actual under-oath questioning, and one to translate all the other proceedings).

“We’re here to apply for a new license,” Petrocelli clarified and reminded the commission. “This is an application for a new license, not to reinstate or reconsider the old one.”

Included in the questioning, the pug said he’s been fighting since he was eight. Boxing is his only livelihood. Asked who he gives financial support and maintenance to, he replied through the translator, “There’s a lot. My wife, her siblings, my parents, my wife’s parents; I’ve never counted them but it’s a lot of people.” Antonio also answered that he’s been living off what he made in his last fight.

During the year and seven months since his defeat by the hands of “Sugar” Shane, I’ve been at many of the pivotal events as Margarito has tried to save and protect his career. There was the February 2009 hearing where his California boxing license was revoked during a hearing in Van Nuys; there was a sighting of the boxer in November 2009 during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight; and there was a huge turnout in April of this year at a media conference to discuss Tony’s Aguascalientes, Mexico against Roberto Garcia.

And through all the controversy, two schools of thoughts remained in the boxing community. Split right down the middle were those who are convinced Margarito knew what he did; just as adamant were those who swear he didn’t know and that it was his former trainer Capetillo who was the sole person to blame.

Sworn in and under oath, Margarito expressed once again that he did NOT know there were illegal inserts in his hand wraps.

During his testimony, the Mexican brawler also stated: “I would like to first ask for another chance. Had I known there was something in the wraps, I would’ve never stepped in the ring. I’m being sincere with them.”

Also called up to give his sworn testimony was current trainer, Oxnard’s well-regarded coach Robert “Grandpa” Garcia, a former fighter himself. In the hot seat, the former world champion boxer (34-3, 25 KOs) and current trainer answered everything lobbed his way as he confirmed with confidence that he (as Margarito has also called him) a clean trainer who follows the rules. A super featherweight titlist many times over, Garcia stated he was a pro fighter for nine years and has been a trainer for nine years. He said he’s he’s been working with the ex-welterweight champion for the past few months and was first asked during the Pacquiao-Cotto weekend if he’d like to work with Margarito. Since the union, the two have built a great working relationship. Saying he even personally picks up the boxer for training, Robert also stated he’s extra careful in the practice of hand wrapping.

“I prepare my padding in the dressing room in front of my fighters–and in front of the commission,” the affable trainer said. Under questioning, he also said yes, they have talked about the rules, weight, dieting, and even what time he goes to bed.

“Any question on his character?” was asked of the trainer in regards to his most famous pupil.

“No question at all,” affirmed Garcia.

“Any question on the following of the rules?”

“No question at all,” Robert said again.

But during the special hearing a little-known rule was also made evident. RULE 392 (dealing with unlicensed or suspended persons prohibited) makes it illegal for an unlicensed person to spar. You need a license to spar and since Margarito’s license had been revoked he apparently (and unknowingly) broke these rules in the latest infraction toward the boxer.

Attorney Petrocelli said his client did not attempt to hide that he was sparring with the media and others well aware of the sparring that took place in Oxnard while Antonio was training for his May 8 comeback fight. After the issue of a sparring license was brought up, the topic made the rounds during an early break in the day. In the patio outside of the auditorium, several trainers, journalists and other boxing veterans admitted they were not aware of this “license to spar” rule.

Violating this California rule of sparring unlicensed seemed to tilt the decision by the commission for the revocation to remain. “Not convinced he had risen to the level an standard to meet that burden of proof,” CSAC went forward with a ruling.

An interesting statement toward the end of the meeting was brought up. The CSAC members explained there were three choices in the decision process: “Grant,” “Deny” or a “Third Option.” Saying in some unusual cases, there could be “some sort of probationary license” issued. While at the start of the day, the consensus among observers seemed to be Margarito would be granted a new license, at the end of the day, after all the testimonies, it appeared by their tone that the commission was not going to approve the license. With the mention of a probationary license, for a brief few seconds there was some light at the end of the tunnel for the pro boxer. But those hopes were dashed quickly.

Unfortunately, for Team Margarito, CSAC wasn’t convinced of his rehabilitation in adhering to the rules. He didn’t quite seem to sway the votes he needed.

Revocation? After all the sworn testimony, arguments and rebuttals it finally came down to a 5-1 vote as CSAC denied Antonio Margarito’s application for a new boxing license. The golden state has spoken. Meeting adjourned.

Ultimately, with an admonishment of “You can delegate authority, but not responsibility,” CSAC’s decision held firm with their majority vote.

But as they say, once a fighter always a fighter. But the once-wildly popular power puncher will NOT be fighting in Cali.

California has denied him of a boxing license, but the slugger is free and clear to request a license in other states (abiding by the rules of the Association of Boxing Commission).

So the story continues, although there’s no guarantee of a happy ending. Even though the “Tijuana Tornado” cannot fight in California, as of this writing, reports are that the Margarito camp has now applied for a license in Texas. The scheduled showdown against one Manny Pacquiao is reportedly trying to be made on November 13 in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. There are also whispers about the “Tijuana Tornado” possibly fighting in Nevada or Mexico again or even the exotic locale of Abu Dhabi (island road trip, anyone?!) but as of today, it looks like the Lone Star state is the frontrunner.

Will the boxer ever get to lace up and step into the square ring once again–and on U.S. soil?

The massive Texas stadium seems perfect for this desired collision by Top Rank’s Bob Arum. There was also earlier rumblings that the proposed November 13 clash would be for the vacant WBC light middleweight belt, with rumors of various weights anywhere from a catchweight of 150 pounds to 154.

Looks like Tony–who has been embroiled in non-stop controversy in this ever-changing scenario–will still have all eyes on him for a while…at least until November 13 when a war of fisticuffs with Filipino superstar Pacman might still be looming on the horizon. Only one thing is for certain–the fight will NOT have the backdrop of sunny California in its horizon.

So WHEN and WHERE Antonio Margarito fights again are the two new questions.

The third and most important question: WILL YOU WATCH?

Photos by Michele Chong/MyBoxingFans