The Fight Is On! Antonio Margarito And Manny Pacquiao Will Face Off In Texas

By Sharmaine Jones

It's official: The Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito fight is on! We can thank the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for that good bit of news.

photo via Getty Images Sport

Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who was suspended for having an illegal plaster-like substance wrapped in his gloves in the fight against Shane Mosley, had his request for a license shelved in Nevada and he was denied a license to fight in California after a 5.5 hour hearing.  The state of Texas, however, does not require a hearing, so all Margarito had to do was simply submit an application – which he did on Monday (August 23). Yesterday, (Thursday) his request was granted. We guess third time's a charm?

William Kuntz – Executive Director of Texas Department of Licensing – released a statement which was posted to the department's website:

"After a thorough review of his application it was determined Mr. Margarito met the requirements of the Texas Combative Sports Act and Rules, based on the review of the above information, I have authorized the issuance of a license to Mr. Margarito."

So, as it stands, Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito (38-6, 27 knockouts) will fight arguably the #1 pound-for-pound best fighter in the world Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 knockouts) for the WBC junior middleweight title in Dallas Cowboys Stadium!

It's not quite as satisfying as news of a Pacquiao/Mayweather bout would be, but we're psyched nonetheless! Another person sure to be jumping for joy: Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Why, you ask? Lets do the math: Dallas Stadium seats 80,000, Margarito has a large Latino fan base and there's a large Mexican community in Texas. Pacquiao's name alone will fill up seats and then you throw in fans of boxing in general – you've got yourself a major payday.

With the licensing issues now a thing of the past, a press tour has officially been announced for the upcoming Pac and 'Rito super fight on November 13th. Buena suerte muchachos!

Will the Pacquiao/Margarito bout live up to all the hype?  Tell us your thoughts below, or @MTV3!

Tags Antonio Margarito, boxing, Dallas Stadium, Floyd Mayweather, Jerry Jones, Manny Pacquiao, William Kuntz