In the more than three hours of ex-world champion Antonio Margarito's reinstatement hearing Wednesday with the California State Athletic Commission, state attorney Karen Chappelle questioned why Margarito never apologized publicly despite his assertion that he unknowingly allowed his hands to be wrapped with an illegal substance by trainer Javier Capetillo. She also stated that Margarito has sparred illegally with trainer Robert Garcia in Oxnard, Calif., during his more than year-long suspension and revokation period.
Chappelle contended that Margarito had to prove his rehabilitation and remorse, saying "a boxer like Mr. Margarito makes a living with his fists," and, "knows what is in the wrappings that go on his fists."
Later, commission member, Eugene Hernandez, told Margarito that he was responsible for being "the CEO of your enterprise," adding, "your trainer works for you."
"I feel guilty for not knowing, and I'm glad that it was found, and I'm glad that I didn't go into the ring (with the wrappings on)," said Margarito. "If you grant me a license, I will be so grateful. But if not, then so be it."
Margarito has not been able to fight on American soil since his license was revoked by the CSAC following an illegal hand-wrapping scandal in January, 2009. The illegal wraps, found to have a hardened, plaster-like substance inside, were removed and confiscated prior to Margarito's ninth-round knockout loss to Shane Mosley.
Margarito, whose suspension officially ended on Feb. 11, is coming off of May's 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Garcia in a junior middleweight clash in Mexico.
Margarito unsuccessfully applied for a license in Nevada, whose state athletic commission ruled that he must reapply in California and have his case re-tried there before attempting to fight in Las Vegas.
The 32-year-old Margarito (38-6, 27 knockouts) is in line to face seven-division titlist and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) champ Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) on Nov. 13 at the Cowboys Stadium, where Pacquiao will pursue his record eighth crown in as many different weight classes with the WBC's vacant junior middleweight (154 pounds) crown being on the line.
Asked by Chappelle if he had apologized in public for the incident, Margarito answered, "No."
"But that's what I am here for," said Margarito. "I am here to not only answer your questions, but also to make an apology to the commission and to the entire world for not knowing what was in the wrappings."
Citing CSAC rules, Chappelle said Margarito, while suspended, was not legally allowed to be training for the Roberto Garcia bout without a state permit -- as the fighter acknowledged doing with Robert Garcia.
Margarito said that he was unaware that he was violating the rules.
"I did not know that I needed the permit for sparring and for training," Margarito said through an interpreter. "I did know that I needed permission for a professional fight, but not for sparring purposes. Had I known that, I wouldn't have done it."
Later, commission chairman, John Frierson, said he did not believe that even "10 boxers" in California knew of the sparring permit rule.
Margarito said that he has not yet trained for the Pacquiao fight in America, but that he was doing so "alone" near his home in Tijuana, Mexico. Margarito has repeatedly denied knowledge that his then-trainer, Capetillo, placed an illegal substance in his wrappings.
Promoted by Top Rank Promotions, Margarito is being represented by senior attorney Daniel Petrocelli of the Los Angeles-based O'Melveny and Myers law firm. Petrocelli is the same man who gained a wrongful death civil conviction against O.J. Simpson in 1997.
Petrocelli said that as part of Margarito's recovery and change in attitude, Margarito has severed ties with Capetillo, hired Garcia, and assured that Garcia will wrap Margarito's fist only in the presence of the fighter "so that Antonio can personally oversee the procedure for himself."
Petrocelli said that prior to the events of last year, Margarito fought in 42 fights -- 15 of which were title bouts -- and had a spotless disciplinary record and was never accused of cheating. "You're not dealing with a repeat offender," said Petrocelli.
Margarito acknowledged to Chappelle that "anything that is in the wraps that is illegal would be cheating and an unfair advantage," adding, "I did not know [about the illegal wrappings]. I'm not arguing with you. I'm being completely honest with all of you. That's why I broke my relationship with Capetillo. It was hard to do, but that's what had to be done."
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This blog (Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito) is made to give the latest news and updates of the upcoming fight between the 7-times world champion and fighter of the decade Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and the former champion Antonio Margarito from Mexico.
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Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito bout will take place on November 13, 2010 at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The bout will be the vacant light middleweight title match. The said Pacquiao vs Margarito bout will be the main event in super welterweight fight in a catch-weight. The Pacquiao-Margarito fight will be presented by HBO sports for live streaming on pay-per-view. Lets get ready to rumble!
