“The thing with Margarito was 2008 the chapter that was closed in that book,” commented Cotto about the first fight in July 2008. That is a night that saw Cotto with a battered face, dethroned of the WBA welterweight title in the 11^th round. The result was talk about Cotto being done, that he no longer had it. Cotto would rebound later, and Margarito, after winning the title from Shane Mosely, would eventually see his boxing license suspended for using tainted hand wraps under his gloves.

So a lot transpired since their first encounter. Both fighters went to war with Manny Pacquiao and  Cotto, quietly had been seeking this rematch for revenge. He leaves business to the promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and in the last year made it known that Margarito is what he wanted, and at Madison Square Garden his favorite venue where he is undefeated in six fights.

Though Cotto does admit he did have flaws in that first fight and will make no excuses or accusations that Margarito had tainted hand wraps then. But for the first time he showed writers a picture on his cell phone that was given to him earlier this year. It indicated a tear in the wrapped hands of Margarito. There was evidence of a tear with the tape and gauze. Again this was pure speculation by Cotto and he will not make accusations. However, the facts later on make one to believe that Margarito had an unfair advantage, even if Cotto that night was not at his best.

Margarito remains silent about the hand wrap controversy except when he is asked. “I never used any illegal bandages. I can’t change the opinions of everyone. I always fought clean. He claims to have paid his dues and the subject is a thing of the past.  He is also promoted by Arum and never went against his Mexican fighter when it came to the hand wrap issue. A win this time would put everything in perspective. He takes care of business in New York and Antonio Margarito indeed has the number of Miguel Cotto. Though the early line favorite is Cotto gets a commanding win and vengeance for what happened a few years ago in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

“I accept my defeat like a man,” says Cotto about that uneventful evening in Las Vegas. “It’s the first time I show the pictures to anybody,” referring to the Margarito wraps. “I over trained and won’t make the same mistakes again. I will be watching the first fight again soon to see what I did wrong.” He did not have the veteran Emanuel Steward in his corner then and he will once again have him for the third time in his corner at the Garden.

Steward was able to correct some flaws when he worked with Cotto the first time in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium, a Cotto 9^th round TKO and defense of the WBA title over Yuri Foreman.

“He is sharp and will be ready at 154,” said Steward when reached for comment because was preparing Andy Lee for his rematch with Brian Vera. “Nothing will go wrong. We will watch the wraps and the gloves. Miguel has picked it up and learned what went wrong the first time.”

And with vengeance obviously on his mind, though Cotto will never show a vindictive trait, Margarito could see the same approach that was used in March. Ricardo Mayorga, saw enough punishment before being stopped by TKO in the 12^th round in the WBA super world light middleweight title fight. Cotto was aggressive and finally put Mayorga on the mat in that final round. It was vintage Cotto, punching with authority, and throwing combinations that propelled him to be a three division world champion.

“I’m going to give it all my body and soul to make this a great match,” said Cotto, (36-2-28 KO’s) one of those in the loss column coming to Pacquiao. He reiterated, ”It’s going to be the same as last time but the ending will be different.” Meaning of course, the punishment this time will show on the face of Margarito who is fully recovered from an injured eye socket that occurred when he lost to Pacquiao last November.

Cotto insisted also that the fight be at 153.  Margarito says that is unfair and that Cotto should be at 154. “If he is a real champion he should fight at 154,” says Margaritio. And Cotto would later respond that the weight was not an issue. His win over Margarito will tell the story that the first loss was because Margarito was with the advantage, once again briefly making reference to the hand wrap controversy.

“Boxing is a sport when you use your skills,” said Cotto. “He played with my health and that’s not fair.”  The wraps for both fighters will be placed in a suitcase prior to the fight and inspected by the New York Commission at the weigh-in. So there could be an end to the issue about Antonio Margarito and hand wraps that have tarnished his career.

Arum stated the Garden has a record advance gate for the fight with an undercard that also includes the undefeated Mike Jones, another of the rising stars in the welterweight division and junior welterweight Pawel Wolak.  And Cotto always sells out the Garden with a strong contingent of Puerto Rican fans from New York City.

But this is not about Puerto Rico against Mexico. It is the fight that Cotto wanted and he anticipates the coming months of training, saying he is a much more matured fighter with his new team under the direction of Steward.

“We accepted 153 because we don’t want Antonio Margarito to make any excuses,” says Cotto. Indeed this looks like it could be another chapter though this time a different and better one for Miguel Cotto.

“I really don’t need that fight,” Pacquiao said about the often discussed bout with Mayweather. “If it happens good, It’s the fight the fans want. If not, I’m satisfied with what I’ve done in boxing.”  Mayweather prepares for Victor Ortiz on September 17^th and Pacquiao, hinted he really isn’t interested in the outcome. “I think I am more focused on this fight compared to the last two because Marquez denied he lost the fight, complaining he won the fight, complaining blah, blah, blah, and that makes me focus and train hard for this fight,” he said.

Truth be told, Pacquiao is relaxed and ready for his third meeting with Marquez. The press conference at Chelsea Piers started with Pacquiao singing a rendition of “Sometimes When We Touch” with Dan Hill the original composer. At previous media events in New York City, Pacquiao would make his entrance, sit quietly at the podium and wait to be introduced. This time it was a different tune but the same Manny Pacquiao acknowledging his legion of fans from the Philippines who observed in a rear area of the Lighthouse.

“I still enjoy the press tours,” he said. “It’s a good thing. You meet a lot of your fans.”  Earlier, Pacquiao did a jog in Central Park and headed to the press conference. After a twenty minute sit- down with the media he did a live spot with ESPN, stopped at HBO headquarters in midtown, and then to JFK Airport with a destination to Los Angeles for the next stop on this latest media tour.

This may not be the fight Pacquiao wanted, but it sparks interest for boxing fans. After all it is Manny Pacquiao, and it is a trilogy with Marquez. They met at featherweight in their first fight and at super featherweight in their second encounter.  Pacquiao has graduated to be a record eight- division champion and once again is favored to win this time at a catch weight of 144 pounds. Marquez is a three-division champion and went down three times in the first fight in 2004, though the outcome was a draw. The crafty (53-5-1, 39 KO) veteran at 38- years of age is not concerned about the outcome of this one. He says moving up in weight is not an issue.  To which Pacquiao says, “I don’t know what Marquez can improve moving up in weight. We fought at 130 pounds in the last fight, and the third fight is 144. I don’t know what he can do.”

Marquez claimed he won both fights. “I know I can do it again,” he says. “I did it in 24-rounds. I was able to get a draw even though I knocked him down three times, so I beat him. I just have to be fast and I have to hit him hard enough.” And if Marquez prevails, or even if he sustains the loss, there is a rematch clause in the contract. But he deeply feels he will dethrone Pacquiao and take his welterweight title.

“I already proved it,” said Pacquiao about their previous fights and disputing Marquez when it came to the controversial draw. “But somebody is claiming they won the fight. I have to work again and prove I won the fights. I want to prove that somebody is wrong and somebody I right.”  But this fight will not be a legacy for Pacquiao, even if it is a trilogy.  He says there will be adjustments since the last fight with Shane Mosley and in the previous fights with Marquez. “I learned more techniques and strategies for being a fighter,” he says.

Freddie Roach, his trainer says, “Pacquiao will knock him (Marquez) out along the way. Manny can’t walk in like we did in the first two. He was just a young kid then. He’s a much more intelligent fighter. I am very confident he will knock him out.”  But Pacquiao is not underestimating Marquez. He saw his last fight on July 16^th, a first-round TKO over former WBA interim super featherweight champion Likar Ramos.

“I saw a still good Marquez but the difference is, I changed a lot of my style and improved my technique and strategy and my power,” commented Pacquiao. There has never been a question of the power, or the technique, just that Marquez is now in the way of continuing the legacy that Manny Pacquiao has established. Far from retirement though, as promoter Bob Arum looks at his main fighter continuing a fight schedule and serving in the capacity of Congressman from the Philippines at least until re-election time in 2013.

Yes, it was a different entrance for Manny Pacquiao in New York City Tuesday. And the trilogy with Marquez should close some issues and put a conclusion to whatever controversy that occurred in their previous fights. Pacquiao has nothing much more to prove, even if we still don’t have a resolution to the Mayweather question.

Arum still wants the Mayweather fight to happen. For now the trilogy bout with Marquez will fill the void and because it is Manny Pacquiao, who happens to be the face of boxing, there will be continued interest.

Besides the fact we had to wait over an hour for his grand arrival at a press conference that would top a Star Wars movie premiere, it was Mayweather holding court as fans cheered in the balcony area ,and the media who came out for a typical new school type of press gathering continued to wait. No questions asked at the podium, just Mayweather giving his account of the issues that have kept him out of the ring the past 16 months.

Never discount what Mayweather says, or for what he does. They said he is the best pound-for-pound- fighter in the business, but until he exchanges punches with Manny Pacquiao that issue will always be open to debate. However, when Mayweather returns it is always a production. The fight is being billed as “Star Power” to also promote what Ortiz has accomplished and will also be televised at closed circuit venues.

So disregard all the talk that Mayweather is avoiding Pacquiao. We waited for the anticipated first of a two-city press tour. Wednesday they take the production to Los Angeles, because Mayweather is holding his own forum. And if you could get a question or two in, when the proceedings were over, good luck. Mayweather was protected on the stage as he was bombarded with those who say they were media, and some of the imitators who claim they are.

There is the overall consensus if Maywether wins this fight, and if Manny Pacquiao holds his end of the bargain in November, against Juan Manuel Marquez, then the anticipated fight with the two becomes a reality. Not right away. Because Bob Arum, promoter of Pacquiao may have other plans for Pacquiao to fight Mike Jones after Marquez, and Ortiz, promoted by Golden Boy should not be counted out until the last punch is thrown in September. Adding to the puzzle is Mayweather and Arum still at opposite ends in their verbal war.

Here is Mayweather talking like he never did before. There wasn’t that trash talk, instead compliments thrown at his opponent.  His children were at the podium, though a few obscenities, unexpectedly, came from the mouth of Ortiz, maybe because this was the first time the champion was in the spotlight and he seemed to be enjoying the moment.

But those who saw Mayweather heard the difference. It may be psychological games what he said about the Pacquiao fight, why he has stayed away from the ring, because of family responsibilities. His adviser, Leonard Ellerbe refused to discuss all the legal proceedings surrounding Mayweather, saying “We focus on the business part and the boxing part. We let the attorneys handle the legal stuff.”

As Bert Sugar, boxing writer and historian said, “It was Mayweather on the couch talking to a psychologist and we listened and we should get some of his money for listening.” No kidding, it was Mayweather explaining where he is and what is taking so long to get a fight going with Pacquiao. We wanted the answer and perhaps it has become clearer.

“It’s not just Pacquiao, it’s sports period,” said Mayweather referring to the steroid issue. He and Ortiz have agreed to drug testing under the United States Anti-Doping Agency protocol which includes random blood and urine testing. That was what Mayweather and Schaefer insisted when the proposed fight with Pacquiao was scrapped. Since then litigation and defamation suits have not been dropped by Pacquiao, regarding allegations about Pacquiao from the Mayweather camp.

More from Mayweather about the steroid issue, and take it the way you want. “If you look at sports in the Olympics they’re cheating, everyone is cheating. And I never once said Manny Pacquiao was cheating. Only thing I said was this: Me and any other opponent I face must take the test.”

“I have never said that Manny Pacquiao was taking steroids. I never said he was taking enhancement drugs. I want to fight the best they got out there, not just him (Pacquiao) and if he’s on the list as one of the best guys, then absolutely. Do I want the Pacquiao fight, absolutely if that’s what the fans want.”

Two things here form the statements. If Mayweather can tell an audience how he feels about Pacquiao, then why could he not do that by failing to show for a court ordered deposition that still hangs in the balance? And if he believes Pacquiao is on the list as one of the best, why did he take on Ortiz now, which leads to more legitimacy that Mayweather has been ducking Pacquiao and all this steroid stuff was nonsense.

Though, there is hope. The first time, Richard Schaefer CEO of Golden Boy was at war with Arum. They came to a truce and seem to be in more contact and looking again to have a good working relationship. Mayweather respects Schaefer and is co-promoting, Mayweather Promotions, and that was evident Tuesday afternoon at a press gathering that lasted more than four hours.

Schaefer is also at peace that he and Arum are talking. It may be a part of business that boxing has been accustomed to seeing over the years, but either way, it makes it that much easier this time for Schaefer to be a part of the Pacquiao-Mayweather talks or involvement.

“It is good for boxing,” commented Schaefer when asked about his truce with Arum.” We have to work together. We are all in this together. Floyd said what he had to say today. Let’s get the Ortiz fight over with and go from there. Victor is a fine young man and deserves this opportunity.”

Mayweather returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Shane Mosley in May of 2010.  And that froum, what Sugar compared to him talking to a psychologist, also questioned why the media continues to attack Mayweather. His kids are older and they understand, so he said, that their father is under attack for things that are not true.

Mayweather said, “When you’re young, black and rich, you go through things in life. But I’m a strong individual. I can survive through anything.” But to be fair about the Mayweather situation, he causes his own demise, and the media, those legitimate to tell it, are doing their job as accurate reporters do.

For Ortiz, this is the opportunity, a champion now and looking to defend his title. He wanted to fight the best, whether it was Pacquiao or Mayweather. “I realize he is a great fighter,” said Ortiz. “I always said I wanted to fight Mayweather one day as champion of the world and check it out… It’s crazy.”

Yes Ortiz is the success story here and Mayweather will always be in the discussion with Manny Pacquiao. But Ortiz had the remark of the day before Mayweather had his time. “I’m fighting Pacquiao next. I’m the champion of the world and I’m not giving that up.”

And Mayweather has to remember that he is not the champion. Did the tide change with his remarks? That remains to be determined. At least we know the fight may be getting closer with Pacquiao, or is it?

It is normal for Pacquiao to be greeted for an elaborate press gathering. The sensation from the Philippines is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the business. And with no fight on the horizon with Floyd Mayweather Jr, there is no argument as to who is the best.

Pacquiao also draws a large contingent of fans from his island and for his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, there is no question he is the top promotional fighter when it comes to boxing and the pay-per-view industry. Perhaps that is why Hershman and Arum have aligned their business and why Showtime, a parent company of CBS, is once again a player in the boxing PPV industry.

“We are thrilled to be working with Showtime and with Manny Pacquiao and they are not new to boxing and pay-per-view,” said Arum who also has his other draw, world champion Miguel Cotto also fighting on Showtime pay-per-view against Ricardo Mayorga on March 12^th from Vegas for Cotto’s light middleweight title.

No, Showtime is not new to the boxing PPV industry and they had a good marriage with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Their last PPV broadcast was the second fight with Diego Corrales against Jose Luis Castillo in 2005. Since that time HBO and Arum had a good working relationship, but like revolutions around the world boxing also sees changes.

Hershman and Top Rank executives got together a few months ago when Arum saw a need for change. His chief rival Golden Boy Promotions, under former champion Oscar De La Hoya and CEO Richard Schaffer were “in bed” with HBO.  Booking dates and trying to force Arum out of the MGM Arena, more so Schaffer was undermining Arum as the representative for Floyd Mayweather Jr, in negotiations to get the fight going between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

That stalemate, the insistence from Mayweather that Pacquiao would agree to Olympic drug and blood testing procedures, may have been the end of the line for HBO and Arum opening the door once again for Showtime. Hershman would not go that far on Monday as to say how his aligning with Arum transpired.

“We are not new at this,” he commented, “we are optimistic and will be innovative.” That word innovation is the key because Showtime has the capability to give the struggling sport of boxing exposure on the CBS Television Network and with radio stations the company owns in key markets around the country.

Something HBO could not do was going beyond their network. Pacquiao and Mosley, even Cotto and other Top Rank fighter of Latino descent can be seen on the CBS Early Morning Show, perhaps “60 Minutes” or on “Late Night” with David Letterman.

Arum was gleaming. The promoter who once was at war with rival Don King, a co-promoter for Cotto-Mayorga , knows what is best for boxing. And with Showtime and CBS, he may have had the answer to getting boxing back on national television.

Pacquiao will be fighting under the Showtime PPPV banner for the first time whose fights over the past two years have amounted to nearly 4 million pay-per-view buys and record box office receipts. “These are exciting times and this is the first time I am encountering an opponent that is not trash talking,” said Pacquiao about his opponent Mosley.

Pacquiao, (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) the record setting eight-division champion and Congressman from the Philippines will train there for a few weeks and then take his camp to Los Angeles with trainer Freddie Roach. The veteran Mosley, (46-6-1, 39 KO’s), a three-division champion knows he has his work cut out for him in efforts to stop Pacquiao.

It may not be a fight the boxing world is looking for as questions still arise as to when, or if Pacquiao and Mayweather will ever meet. Still Pacquiao draws interest no matter who he gets in the ring with, and he would not rule out an inevitable meeting with Mayweather.

“It can still happen,” said Pacquiao about a meeting with Mayweather that could determine who is the best. For now, he and Mosley are elated about fighting on Showtime. The “Fight Camp 360; Pacquiao vs. Mosley” four –part documentary series that follows both fighters before the big fight will premiere before CBS airs  coverage of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship Final Four on Saturday April 2^nd.

That means more hype for the PPV date, more importantly needed and great exposure for the sport of boxing. CBS is the top rated television network, and the fight series airs before one of the largest sport events on the calendar.

Arum and Hershman got this one right. They did it for boxing and the loyal fans desperate for some needed exposure. Pacquiao is known world-wide and may have two more fights in his arsenal while Cotto will go long as long as he wants to.

HBO will continue to do what they do. Golden Boy will supply them some of the exciting junior welterweights though very few are marketable commodities for pay-per-view telecasts. HBO is very silent but the prevailing view is they are taking a hit.

The comment from Hershman about how HBO is taking all of this: “You have to ask them,” he said with confidence.

e-mail Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com

What must be done to turn the tide in Flushing? After two consecutive losing seasons and questions about who will be where in the lineup, Collins certainly has a huge task. Expectations for the Mets to contend in 2011 are very slim with limited payroll flexibility, and probably no significant additions to the roster.

The new manager immediately said he wants to win. He emphasized speed on the bases and mentioned how important it was for Carlos Beltran and Jason Bay to stay healthy.  Previous manager Jerry Manuel knew how important that was, but for Collins to see success it will require more than Beltran and Bay playing at full strength.

“I want to win, and there is no doubt in my mind we have the talent to win,” said the 61-year old Collins, an intense and competitive individual who expects nothing more than winning. He reminds you of a general leading his troops to war. A veteran baseball man with expertise coming back to the dugout after an 11-year hiatus should not be an issue.

Collins knows the game, so adjusting to a new situation, in the big city will be the question. Can he handle a losing situation?  Time will tell because Collins will always have a skeptical past to his resume after dismissing himself from his managerial duties with the California Angels with 29 games remaining in 1999.

But that had no bearing on the decision to bring him on board. He beat out Mets homegrown favorite Wally Backman, third base coach Chip Hale, and minor league instructor Bob Melvin who had the previous managerial background to lead.

“We believe Terry’s knowledge of our players, intensity and direct approach will make an immediate, positive impact both in the clubhouse and on the field,” said new General Manager Sandy Alderson.

There is also intensity that comes with Collins. An emotional man in the dugout when he piloted the Houston Astros before the Angels, and perhaps what his predecessor Jerry Manuel could not do, Collins will be able to. That is bringing the intensity and fire to the Mets clubhouse.

Though we can’t put the entire blame on Manuel’s personality and Collins will inherit most of the mess that Manuel had to work with. Luis Castillo with the big contract, probably no way Oliver Perez gets traded, and if the Mets can’t eat the remaining $36 million of his contract, Collins may have to put him back on the mound. And he has to deal with a controversial closer Francisco Rodriguez who is coming off thumb surgery and a legal issue of assault.

An immediate impact will be on the youngsters that Collins knows well. He served as the Mets minor league field coordinator this past season and is familiar with Ruben Tejada, Ike Davis and Josh Thole.  No doubt Alderson and the new Mets regime, all familiar with Alderson, took that into consideration when they hired their new manager.

What Mets fans will see is a more intense and feisty individual, something Manuel lacked. There will be no laugh in the pre and post game meetings with members of the media that symbolized Manuel during his tenure as manager. Collins is straight to the point and on a mission to try and turn things around at Citi Field.

“I really hope that when we get together as a team in spring training that the lines of communication open up,” stated Collins. “They have to be open on a daily basis and the players have to realize my passion for the game and my passion for excellence.”

Time will tell how the Terry Collins managerial reign will unfold. “We want to be the last team standing net October,” said Collins who definitely has proved to have a passion for the game.

A bold statement for sure, and an experienced leader who immediately took charge as a new era has officially started at Citi Field.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

That statement alone described what Martinez has now achieved. A 35-year old champion that HBO Sports believed had potential, and a crafty fighter that Dibella felt could be better than former champions under his wing such as Bernard Hopkins and Kelly Pavlik.

And now Martinez, who earned a career high $1.5 million against Williams, is ready for the culmination of a successful career. Three fights left in him, probably at 154 and maybe a matchup with either Miguel Cotto or even eight-time division champion Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I was mentally prepared for this,” said a jubilant Martinez about the KO, described now as knockout of the year. Hours later at a post fight victory dinner, upstairs at the Caesars Atlantic City Café Roma, Martinez was congratulated  by family, friends, members of his stable and of course Dibella who organized the gathering.

It was a rematch of their first bout that took place at Boardwalk Hall last December. Then Martinez moved up in weight. In that anticipated bout both fighters hit the canvas in the first round with Martinez losing a controversial and close 12-round decision.

But the only knockdown in this fight was the knockout of the year in boxing delivered by Martinez. It had the Boardwalk Hall crowd stunned when Martinez delivered a quick left hook to the jaw of Williams with the stoppage coming at 1:10 of round 2.

“We had it prepared and went through a lot of hard work to do that,” said Martinez in the ring wearing a customary victory crown.”I did not what the judges’ to rob me this time,” referring to the decision last December that many thought he should have had.

“One of the top three fighters in the world,” claimed Dibella about his champion. And there will be no argument about that putting Martinez in a category with Pacquiao and Mayweather.  Those could be possible future opponents for the middleweight champion, or a unification bout with Dmitry Pirog.

Martinez seeking redemption came out strong in the first round and used a good left to the body of Williams. “I was waiting for him to make a mistake,” he said about the knockout that put Williams on the canvas. The round and a half of boxing saw 56 combined connected punches of which 52 were power shots.

“We’ll fight anyone,” commented Dibella. “Let’s face it, it’s about the money.” Fights with either Mayweather or Pacquiao will guarantee big money, though the boxing fans still anticipates Pacquiao facing Mayweather that would determine who indeed is the best pound-for-pound fighter.

If there were doubts about Martinez they are now over. Before the fight he was once again the underdog, and as champion the respect was not granted when he entered the ring before the challenger Williams. His commanding win over Pavlik earlier this year and the big knockout punch Saturday night will earn him fighter of the year honors.

“I want to listen to all offers and see what comes my way, but for now I will go home and rest,” said Martinez (46-2-2, 25KO’s) of Quilmes Argentina and residing in Oxnard California. “

And now the offers will come in, because the boxing world with this stunning knockout knows that Sergio Martinez is one of the best. He also has the right guy in his corner, Dibella.

“Martinez’s speed and power in a middleweight, one of the best I ever saw,” said Dibella who has seen his share over the years as a boxing executive with HBO and as a successful promoter.

Indeed Sergio Martinez has proved he is one of the best three fighters in the world with more to come.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

All three judges at ringside gave Pacquiao the edge, including one judge giving him every round 120-108.  The scorecard here at ringside gave Margaritio one round. “It’s hard I really did my best to win the fight. He was strong and a very tough fighter,” commented Pacquiao. “I can’t believe that he was as strong as he was.”

Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KO’s) won his 12^th straight fight and admitted that Margarito, (38-7, 27KO’s) was strong enough to hurt him when he was in the ropes in the middle rounds. He motioned to referee Laurence Cole several times in the 11^th round to stop the fight as Margaritio’s face was battered and a bloody mess.

“There was no way I was going to quit,” commented three-time champion Margarito after the fight. “I’m a Mexican. We fight until the end,” he said.

It was the second straight win for Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium before a crowd of 41,734, many Margarito supporters.  Earlier this year, in March, he easily handled Joshua Clottey taking a 12-round unanimous decision, a seventh title and the welterweight championship.

As for a potential showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at 154, a fight that has been anticipated and talked about, again Pacquiao left that answer to his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. As for continuing his career, Mayweather or not, Pacquiao would not rule it out of the question.

The popular Congressman of the Philippines said, “I have another job after this. I’m going back to the Philippines to do my job as a public servant.”

“He was really fast and I was going- good until I got cut,” said Margarito.  His trainer Robert Garrcia also said he never considered stopping the fight and it would continue until the end. Garcia also saw first hand as to why Pacquiao is indeed the best pound-for-pound fighter.

Said Garcia “Manny is the best fighter in the world.  He is just too fast, Very, very quick.”

By the 10th round it became a boxing clinic for Pacquiao who continued to throw the right hook and pound the face of Margarito.  In between rounds it became obvious that Margarito was fighting for redemption, proving that his year suspension from the ring from using illegal hand wraps was all in the books.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

But Pacquiao wasn’t the center of attention, even if he is going for an unprecedented eighth title in another division at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas. Margarito returns to the ring after sitting out the past year due to a suspension from using tainted hand wraps in a title fight with Shane Mosley.

Margarito was recently denied reinstatement by the California State Athletic Commission. They were the governing body that imposed the suspension based on allegations and further investigation of the gloves, and wraps that Margarito used after he lost the WBA welterweight title to Mosley in Los Angeles.

So with Nevada, also out of the picture, Texas granted Margarito another chance. Top Rank was looking to keep their champion Pacquiao busy who also doubles up as a congressman in the Philippines. There is a sentiment that Pacquiao will easily win this fight. Of course, Margarito thinks otherwise as he also fights for his credibility.

“Everything is in the past and now I am in the present,” said Margaritio at the podium with an array of his Mexican supporters cheering in the gallery. “I want to thank Manny for taking this fight. It’s time to show everyone that I am still very good,” he said.

And nothing else said about one of the major mistakes made by a fighter. You have to know that your hands are being wrapped the wrong way, or that something such as plaster is being put under the wraps. Margaritio will claim innocence, so will his disposed trainers who have been handed a lifetime suspension in the states.

“You have to know, every fighter knows what’s going on but you have to give a second chance,” was the way Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach put it. Roach is respected as the best boxing trainer in the business. So he should know what goes under the boxing gloves.

But boxing goes on, and so does the mega fight that the business surly needs. Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank. Pacquiao is the major draw in boxing and once again goes for history as he awaits the hopeful showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. that could happen in the spring.

“When Floyd runs out of money, the fight will happen,” said Roach with a chuckle about the on and off again fight with Mayweather. “We will have a good training camp and go with the plan to defeat Margarito.

Said Pacquiao, (51-3-2, 38 KO’s) who returns to Cowboys Stadium for a second fight, after easily defeating Joshua Clottey back in March, defending his WBO welterweight title, “Sure he’s a cheater but I am looking for an interesting and exciting fight. He has the capability to give a good show and he is a fighter that is impressive and a talented fighter.”

Fighters like Miguel Cotto, the former welterweight champion and current super welterweight title holder can vouch how powerful Margaritio is. Cotto was pounded and dethroned by Margarito out in Las Vegas in July 2008. Cotto’s face a mess from a Margarito pounding that had everyone discounting Cotto’s ability and bragging about Margarito’s power.

So give Margarito the benefit of doubt. The three-time world champion (38-6, 27 KO’s) from Tijuana Mexico was going about his business. Or for the lore of glory went with the plan and did what the trainers asked. Boxing, not like baseball and other sports is at fault because there is no regulation with a national commissioner.

In the meantime we wait for a fight in November, though not having the implications that a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will have. Margarito will return to the ring and get his share of accolades and criticism from the expected crowd of 50,000 in Texas.

Are we to accept Margarito again as a great fighter? Pacquiao will eventually tell the story on November 13^th.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

The fight against Foreman, for the title, will also see Cotto move up in weight and there will be many story lines. Cotto will have famed trainer Emanuel Steward in his corner for the first time, the fight will see the return of boxing to Yankee Stadium for the first time since Muhammad Ali defeated Ken Norton by a 15-round decision on September 28, 1976 at the original Yankee Stadium.

And more importantly, Cotto needs to make a statement. He wins and perhaps there is an opportunity to become a player once again in the welterweight division. Though during the past year, Cotto a three-time world champion and veteran of 16- world championship fights has expressed an interest of taking on two more opponents and then contemplate retirement.

“A tough fight,” said Cotto (34-2 0,27KO’s) about his opponent, the 29-year old Foreman (28-0, 8KO’s) the first Orthodox Jew to win a world championship in nearly 70 years. “I am mentally blocked about Pacquiao and thinking about Foreman,” he said.

The boxing world seems to think Cotto may have lost his punch after losing the WBA welterweight title to Antonio Margarito two years ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  A battered Cotto saw right uppercuts and a bloodied nose in the third round slow his pace before the fight was stopped by his corner after 10 rounds.

Later it was revealed that Margarito fought with tainted hand wraps under his gloves when Mosley defeated him for the title that Margarito defeated Cotto for.However the prevailing opinion is that Margarito used illegal hand wraps in the Cotto fight. Margarito was suspended for a year and Cotto stayed silent about the hand wrap issue. Regardless his performance was not Cotto like, neither was it a dominant win at Madison Square Garden last June when he successfully defended his WBO welterweight title against Joshua Clottey in a controversial and close 12-round split decision.

“Where he goes after this fight, you have to ask him,” was the comment from Bob Arum of Top Rank the promoter of Cotto and also Pacquiao. “He is still a world class fighter, has tremendous popularity and can still have an impact. It is a question of what he does against Yuri.”

The popularity of Cotto is still dominant, especially in New York City. Madison Square Garden has always been the venue for him fighting there and successfully defending his titles four times in the month of June on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day parade.

And with the popularity of Foreman, who presents a real challenge for Cotto, this fight could see a crowd in excess of 35,000 at the new “House That Ruth Built” in the Bronx. HBO will also televise the fight on their network as Cotto wants fans to see him fight without shelling out a $50 dollar pay-per-view fee.

“Defending against Cotto is a dream come true,” said Foreman who is expected to also draw a good contingent of Jewish fans to the stadium. Arum plans to stack the undercard with fighters from every ethnic group, including 21-year old Christian Martinez, 4-0, a New York City Golden Gloves champion  and promising junior welterweight who was born and raised minutes away from the new stadium.

The fight is being billed as “Stadium Slugfest” or as Lonn Trost Chief Operating Officer of the Yankees said, “Battle in the Bronx” or “Battle of the Boroughs.”  The first of many prestigious fights at the new stadium is what Trost is hoping for.  There is the possibility that will happen, except Cotto may not be in the plan if he indeed decides to hang up the gloves soon.

“It’s a great honor to have my first title defense at Yankee Stadium and join the names of such fighters as Benny Leonard, Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, and to represent Israel and the Jewish people,” said Foreman.

Except this may not be a legendary fight, more so. historic as boxing returns to Yankee Stadium with anticipation.

Email Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Nevertheless, Clottey has bypassed the questions as to why he has become the second fiddle. He almost defeated Miguel Cotto last year for the WBO welterweight title, now held by Pacquiao at Madison Square Garden.  And Clottey realizes to defeat Pacquiao more punches will have to be thrown.

“You know I am not a flyweight, not a bantamweight,” says Clottey (35-3, 20KO’s) a native of Ghana now residing in the Bronx “I am a welterweight and welterweights only throw punches that connect.  I can throw punches which connect and land and cause damage.”

That fight with Cotto, last June at Madison Square Garden in New York almost went to Clottey. Another punch here or there and Cotto would have been dethroned. That’s how close the fight was. “I can throw punches which connect and land and cause damage,” says Clottey.  “If you look at the last fight, I won the last round. He (Cotto) threw punches and I blocked them and threw punches and they connected. I will throw punches that cause damage,”

And if Clottey stands any chance against the powerful Pacquiao, (50-3, 38KO’s) from the Philippines, he will have to punch and also throw his jabs with authority. Pacquiao is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the business and after defeating Cotto achieved boxing history as the first time seven division champion.

“My training is going to show when I get in the ring, but with Manny Pacquiao you don’t have to miss with him,” commented Clottey last week. “When he is throwing you have to let him do it.  A victory would mean very ,very more than a lot to me. That’s why I am so happy about this opportunity,”

There is constant suspicion that Pacquiao may be taking steroids, a question that has been raised now because Pacquiao refused Olympic style drug testing that caused his fight with Mayweather  to be called off/ Mayweather wanted that blood sample testing of  three random times as a stipulation and the Pacquiao camp did everything they could do to prevent it,

As a result Clottey got his big opportunity, this time at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium that could see a crowd in excess of 40,000. On the steroid issue hovering around Pacquiao, Cottey said, “I don’t want him to do that because I respect him too much. I don’t think Manny Pacquiao is doing that thing.”

“If he is doing that thing he is killing the sport. I believe in him. I know he throws a lot of punches. He is the man now and he is the best fighter out there.  When I walk in the ring I know what I will have to do to win the fight.”

Cottey was never thinking about this fight. He wanted another shot at Cotto. But the chance came, and his career has always been about defeating any fighter that would give him an opportunity. Pacquiao this Saturday night offers that opportunity and a win for Clottey could turn the division upside down.

One other factor to consider as Clottey fights for his fourth world title. His trainer, Kwame Asante was not granted a visa form Ghana. Clottey has been tutored by the veteran Lenny DeJesus of the Bronx, a valuable cut man as well who at one time worked the corner with Pacquiao’s main and acclaimed trainer Freddy Roach.

“:Lenny has over 40 years in the business and I feel very confident and comfortable with him,” says Clottey.  DeJesus has also been in the corner of Clottey as a cut man. “He was pushing me a lot,” says Clottey, “and he knows what he is doing.”

What the boxing world will find out Saturday evening is how much the Cotto fight taught Clottey. He wins and for sure he is not looked as a second fiddle when it comes to the mega fight.

GOLDEN GLOVES CONTINUE WITH DISAPPOINTING OUTCOMES:  Bronx based Victor Pena was a busy trainer the past few days preparing three of his fighters for a chance to advance in the 40^th annual Daily News New York City Golden Gloves Tournament. Pena has guided 42 champions to the illustrious gold over the years.

The 49^th annual tournament, most prestigious amateur one in the country, that has led many more to pro boxing championship fame continued last week in the New York City area. Pena packed his bags and met his kids at his temporary quarters, John’s Gym in the South Bronx.  His kids have been training there because their home gym, Morris Park was gutted by a fire in December,

Pena on three separate evenings got his fighters in his van, along with some supporters as they took the journey to Glen Cove Long Island, Flushing Queens and near the Sheepshead Bay area of Brooklyn. Golden Gloves venues are picked months in advance by Daily News Community Relations Director Brian Adams a Golden Gloves champion in the 1990’s who had a brief pro career as a welterweight.

“We prefer to do the shows at community centers and churches,” says Adams at ringside last week when the quarterfinals continued at the Electrical industrial Center in Flushing   “It’s a win situation for all,” he says as the directors of the venues split profits with tournament organizers.

As so often happens, Pena and other trainers will arrive at venues and their fighters will discover that the preparation has to wait for another day. Either one or two participants is, a no- show, or there is a medical or weight issue and the result is a bye into the next round.

Pena’s fighters get to Glen Cove and find out that their bouts in the 114 pound weight class are not until Saturday evening in Brooklyn. “Someone made a mistake, somewhere,” comments Pena.   So it is on to Friday in Flushing/

You arrive at the venue. Fighters are cramped in a back room and called one-by-one for their physicals. This time Pena’s fighter, Frank Garriga is first on the bout sheet and ready to try and advance to the semifinals in the 123-pound open class. He, like many others has no idea what his opponent will do. It is hard to study an opponent in this tournament, not like the pro game where fight tapes are available.

Garriga had a tough time with Marcus Suarez and failed to get his second pair of gloves. He won the 119-pound novice final at Madison Square Garden two years ago. “You did not do your running and lost your stamina,” said Pena to his fighter when it was all over.  “I want to turn pro,” said Garriga who felt he won the fight.

Pena quickly dispelled any thoughts to his fighter about turning professional. At the age of 21, Garriga still has plenty to learn. But like most fighters who fail to get a decision in this tournament, the feeling is they got robbed by inept judges. “No you win when you throw more punches,” says Pena.

Pena’s two other fighters, Chayanne Rivera and Jeffrey Archie also fell short in the quarterfinals on Saturday night. Rivera, of the south Bronx lost his first amateur fight getting stopped after the second round. The anticipation that was there Thursday waited another day and was quickly over.

You here the same response from Rivera, that was heard from Garriga the night before.  “I want to turn pro.” And they same response from Pena, “You are not ready,” as this trainer has concern for his fighters.   “It’s back to the drawing board,” said Pena to his fighters after Archie lost a tough decision to conclude a losing thee days.

The good thing is these are kids. The earning process to only get better, and as Archie said, after failing in his second attempt to get to the finals, “I won’t quit this tournament until I get those gloves.” Yes the Golden Gloves are so important to these young pugilists looking for prominence.  The finals are at the Madison Square Garden WaMu Theatre March 25^th and 26^th.

COTTO FIGHT HEADED TO YANKEE STADIUM:  It is not official but should be in the next few days Miguel Cotto, the former welterweight champion who lost to Pacquiao late last year will return to New York and have his next fight at Yankee Stadium Saturday June 5^th opposing Yuri Foreman in a fight that would be televised on HBO Sports.

“It’s almost certain to be a date,” said a source at Top Rank, promoter of Cotto.  The particulars as to seating and where the ring would be placed are the remaining elements that have kept the official announcement from being made.

Foreman and Cotto does not have the magnitude as a Cotto-Mayweather or Cotto-Shane Mosley bout would, however the Yankees organization is intent on returning boxing back to their palace in the Bronx, and Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is a close friend of Yankees CEO Lonn Trost.

Foreman holds one of those alphabet soup belts in boxing and has a tremendous following in the New York Jewish community.  So the fight will generate some interest in the Bronx especially with the popularity Cotto has in the Puerto Rican community.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Log on to: www.keepitinthering,net