There must be a good reason as to why Bob Arum, the Top Rank boss is tapping Margarito to be Pacquiao’s next opponent. With his difficulty in negotiating with the Mayweathers and all the obstacles in between, the fight with Margarito is a good alternative for Pacquiao.
Credential wise, Margarito is a legitimate welterweight and had been the Welterweight Champion of the World Boxing Association (2008-2009); International Boxing Federation (2008) and World Boxing Organization (2002-2007) not until the time when he was penalized because of the touchy hand wrap issue during his fight with Mosley in January of last year.
Arum has announced during a recent press conference in Los Angeles that Margarito will be fighting on May 8, this year with the WBC Light Middleweight champion Roberto Garcia. It will be Margarito’s first come back fight since losing to Mosley of last year.
What is interesting, if Margarito wins the fight with Garcia, he can stake his WBC Light Middleweight championship (154 lbs) in due time with Pacquiao and it will be a good opportunity for Manny to get a shot for an eight world title in eight different weight class divisions.
Margarito on the other hand, is willing to fight Pacquiao. If ever the fight shall push through, it shall be in the US according to Arum. He further added that only three states can host a Pacquiao fight because of its friendlier taxes and they are Nevada, Florida and Texas.
The Margarito-Garcia fight will take place in Aguascalientes, Mexico. A possible schedule for a Pacquiao-Margarito fight shall be held sometime in September or November this year, Arum said.
