Arlington, TX (Sept. 3, 2010) – The final press tour conference at the state of the art Cowboy’s Stadium today, venue of the November 13 matchup between two fistic warriors Manny Pacquiao, lone Sarangani representative, pound for pound best & seven divisions World Champion in as much weight classes versus the Mexican pride Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito, was a huge success.
The Dallas Presscon kicked off before noon today. Top Rank’s President Todd DuBoef, filling in for the greatest promoter in boxing history Bob Arum, did a tremendous job. Mark Taffet, HBO Sports Pay-Per-View President, was thrilled that HBO’s Emmy Award winning 24/7 show will be back again, highlighting “behind-the-scenes” in this big event. Mr. Taffet promised that every important issue, every controversy related to this event will be addressed. The series will be done in four parts.
“Texas did research, they did not rush to judge. They listened and did due diligence,” declared Todd DuBoef as he introduced TDLR’s Executive Director William “Bill” Kuntz who spoke next at the podium. It was Mr. Kuntz who decided Margarito should be licensed in Texas and eventually made this fight happen. “It’s making Texas a major destination for the sport of boxing, and for Jerry Jones to bring it here at the Cowboy’s Stadium, is wonderful for the State of Texas,” explained Mr. Kuntz.
Representing the World Boxing Council, Executive Secretary Mauricio Sulaiman, a big Cowboys’ fan himself, presented the contested green and gold Super welterweight championship belt. It was a beautifully crafted, one-time special edition crown, which features the Dallas Cowboys famous blue star and Top Rank’s logo including pictures of the combatants - Pacquiao & Margarito. The young Sulaiman congratulated Mr. Kuntz for the decision of licensing Antonio Margarito and doing the right thing for boxing. “This fight is not about steroid testing or hand wrapping. This fight is about two heroes. One fighting for the Philippines and the other for Mexico,” added Sulaiman.
During the WBC belt presentation, Pacquiao playfully showed he was unwilling to give back the belt and motioned as if he were to keep it (for now), much to the amusement of the crowd. Margarito’s serious face showed he wanted the belt badly hence he will have to give a good fight for it this coming November 13. Margarito was humorless during the face off while Pacquiao managed to burst in laughter and smiled at his opponent. Everyone present was thrilled for this big event. Fans of the Mexican Margarito chanted – “Me-hee-co, Me-hee-co” and “Si se puede.” (Mexico, Mexico and Yes you can!) Some loud boos came from the other side of the venue.
Jerry Jones, the Texas billionaire and owner of the Dallas Cowboys, after being presented with a WBC trophy of a golden fist, mentioned that memorabilia of Pacquiao’s previous Dallas fight and new ones will be made readily available for everyone to see in the coming days leading up to the big event. It will have a special place at the Cowboy’s Stadium, which is being planned to fill with 70,000 people or more for such a big boxing event. Margarito is a Hispanic fan favorite while Pacquiao has achieved world wide boxing iconic status and could easily be added as an all time great, hence, the organizers feel this could break existing records.
DuBoef introduced three-time welterweight world champion Margarito as setting the highest attendance in an event at L.A.’s Staple Center at 21,000 people hence he deserved to fight Pacquiao. “Margarito wanted to fight everybody. Oscar De La Hoya, Winky Wright, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. wanted nothing to do with him (Margarito)…even when millions of dollars were offered to them,” he added.
Team Margarito voiced out their opinions of the fight. “Jerry Jones might have to build a new stadium because the Tijuana Tornado Margarito is coming with everything and he will do major destructions come November 13,” stressed his manager Francisco Espinoza. Roberto Garcia, Margarito’s trainer, articulated that Manny Pacquiao would receive a beating from his ward. “For now, Team Pacquiao is the enemy and there will be a war,” Garcia vowed.
Team Pacquiao was introduced next to include Atty. Franklin “Jeng” Gacal, Pacquiao’s Chief of Staff in Congress, special adviser from Canada Mike Koncz and finally Freddie Roach who himself has become a world wide celebrity, getting the most applause from the audience. The legendary trainer Roach said it clearly, “It’s going to be a big fight in a big house. I do believe that the tornado will be downsized to a tropical storm.” The crowd roared in laughter and most present, especially the Filipino boxing fans, applauded him.
Antonio Margarito spoke Mexican at the podium and was received with mixed reactions – boos and clapping. With Top Rank’s publicist Ricardo Jimenez interpreting, he said, “Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter but I will bring the WBC Belt back to Mexico.” His fans were the loudest and cheered wildly for him.
Before Todd Duboef introduced the boxing Congressman from Sarangani Manny Pacquiao, he told a story what the PacMan had said when asked why he (Pacquiao) chose to fight Antonio Margarito at this time. Pacquiao believes in himself and told the media, “He (Margarito) is an aggressive fighter. I like his style. And, he will make me look good!”
Finally, when it was his turn at the podium, Manny Pacquiao simply thanked everyone for coming and for their support including Jerry Jones, HBO, Top Rank, Media, Team Margarito and most of all - the boxing fans. He assured that everyone would be happy watching the event, and that it will be a great night for boxing.
The usual presscon routine followed with the fighters measuring & facing each other. After which, media was provided opportunity to have interviews with each fighter whether for print or broadcast. Pacquiao and Margarito then went to their respective fans for meet & greet including autograph signing with picture taking.
Final note: Before entering the venue, this writer had a chance to talk to McAllen, Texas Imperial Ed Promotions President Ed Lozano who had flyers and invitations for events in September 17 & 18, where Manny Pacquiao was going to be present. Gran Cena Mexicana (Dinner) at McAllen Convention Center on September 17 at 8 pm then a fight card in September 18 at the State Farm Arena. Pacquiao confirmed his attendance to this writer. Hope to see you there! Pacquiao vs Margarito
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