GRAPEVINE, TEXAS—Either Antonio Margarito is a braggart or he genuinely believes he’s due for another world crown.
Addressing World Boxing Council president Dr. Jose Sulaiman during Wednesday’s prefight press conference, the three-time world champion guaranteed a victory over Manny Pacquiao in their battle for the 154-pound super welterweight title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
“I want to tell Mr. Sulaiman that there will be a new Mexican champion on Nov. 13,” said Margarito.
The 79-year-old Sulaiman apparently pricked Margarito’s ego when he noted that Pacquiao was responsible for 12 of the Filipinos’ 24 victories over Mexicans in 61 previous WBC title duels.
Among Pacquiao’s victims were Jorge Solis, Hector Velasquez, David Diaz and Oscar Larios.
Sulaiman, who was recenly honored by Guinness World Records as the “longest serving president of a world sports organization,” also hailed Pacquiao as one of the greatest boxers in history.
After handing out a special WBC award to Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum as one of two greatest promoters (Don King is the other) in history, Sulaiman also praised Pacquiao for always surging forward while throwing punches.
Sulaiman, who assumed the WBC presidency in 1975, did praise Margarito for his brave heart and agressiveness.
The 32-year-old Margarito said he trained hard, is in top shape and is raring to show that he’s back.
He served a one-year-suspension after the hand wraps he used in a losing effort against Sugar Shane Mosley in January 2009 were found to have a hardening substance.
“The time has come (to reclaim glory),” said Margarito in Spanish. “There will be no excuses.”
But first, Margarito will have to hurdle Pacquiao, the outstanding favorite and recognized as the world’s best fighter. Photo by Associated Pres