Mexican Antonio Margarito is certain that he will prevail over Manny Pacquiao when their fight pushes through on November 13.
Margarito told Jhonny Gonzalez of BoxingScene.com that his showdown with the 7-division world champion would end with “a knockout.” When asked if he thinks the bout will go the distance, Margarito told Gonzalez: “I don't think so.”
There is still no venue for the November 13 fight as Margarito has yet to be granted a license to fight again in the United States.
The Mexican was suspended by the California State Athletic Commission last year after a plaster-like substance was found in his hand wraps ahead his fight against Shane Mosley in January 2009.
Margarito has already reapplied for a boxing license from the Texas Athletic Commission, which is set to release its decision this week.
The Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas is being eyed as the venue for the Pacquiao-Margarito fight.
In the works
Pacquiao confirmed in his August 26 “Kumbinasyon” column in PhilBoxing.com that fighting again in Texas is a big possibility.
The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion successfully defended his title at the Cowboys Stadium last March 13 against Joshua Clottey of Ghana.
“Hindi pa rin final ang lugar kung saan gaganapin ang laban pero malaki ang posibilidad na sa Dallas, Texas pa rin ang laban kung hindi madadaig ng ilan pang bidders ang offer ng Cowboys Stadium,” he wrote.
(There is no final venue yet for the fight but there's a big possibility that it will be in Dallas, Texas if other bidders can't beat the offer of the Cowboys Stadium).
He also shared that his promoters and team members are finalizing the fight deal.
Manny Pacquiao
“Marami pa ring mga detalye ang dapat tukuyin at tapusin pero ayon sa mga pahayag, matatapos ang mga talakayan sa linggong ito. Malalaman po natin ang ibang detalye sa susunod na mga araw,” he assured.
(There are details yet to be ironed out but according to reports, the negotiations will end this week. We will know the compete details in the next few days).
The boxer-turned-congressman also commented on Margarito’s hand wraps issue.
“Kung may kinalaman man si Margarito sa mga kaganapan, siya lang at ang kaniyang konsensiya ang maaaring humarap sa Dakilang Lumikha,” he said. “Kung patas ang laban, tuloy ang sagupaan namin ni Margarito sa Nov. 13.”
(If he has direct involvement in the incident, only he and his conscience can take this up to God. If a fair fight will be assured, then my match with Margarito will push through on Nov. 13). – With reports from BoxingScene.com and PhilBoxing.com
