Antonio Margarito, a former world champion boxer, has weighed in on the highly anticipated rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, offering his 'honest' prediction. Margarito, who fought Pacquiao in 2010, lost a wide unanimous decision, but his perspective is unique given his involvement in controversies and accusations of cheating.
In an interview, Margarito expressed his support for Pacquiao, stating, 'I’ll tell you something: if they fight again, I’m with Pacquiao. Not because I fought him, or because he’s my friend, or because I know him. No, [it’s] because I think Pacquiao is better than Mayweather. That’s what I’ve always believed. If they face each other again, I’d say Pacquiao wins.'
This prediction is intriguing, especially considering Margarito's history. He lost a fight to Shane Mosley in 2009 due to 'loaded' gloves, and his career has been marred by accusations of cheating against Miguel Cotto in 2009. Despite these controversies, Margarito's insight is valuable.
The upcoming Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 2 is set to be a fully-sanctioned contest, with Mayweather's 50-0 record on the line. Mayweather's last fight was in 2017, where he defeated Conor McGregor, while Pacquiao drew with Mario Barrios in July 2022. Margarito's support for Pacquiao is notable, as it challenges the notion that Mayweather is invincible.
What makes Margarito's prediction particularly interesting is his personal history and the potential implications for the sport. His support for Pacquiao could be seen as a challenge to Mayweather's dominance, and it raises questions about the fairness of past fights involving Pacquiao. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing debate about the use of loaded gloves in boxing.
In my opinion, Margarito's prediction is a bold statement that adds fuel to the fire of this highly anticipated rematch. His personal history and perspective make his opinion valuable, and it will be fascinating to see how it influences the fight's outcome and public perception.
