Antonio "Tijuana Tornado" Margarito (37-6, 27 KO) was in Los Angeles, California to formally announce his May 8 Jr. Middleweight bout with Texan Roberto 'La Amenaza" Garcia (28-2, 21 KO). The bout is set for ten rounds and will headline Top Rank's "Latin Fury 14" event. The pay-per-view event will be broadcast on May 8 at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST from Aguascalientes, Mexico.
The undercard will feature Jorge Solis (38-2-2, 28 KO) defending his WBA Super Featherweight championship against Mario Santiago (21-2-1, 14 KO). In a ten round NABF Lightweight championship bout, Brandon Rios (24-0-1, 17 KO) will defend against Urbano Antillon (27-1, 20 KO). The son of Ricardo Lopez, Alonso Lopez (3-0, 2 KO) will also be taking on the ever-dangerous "TBA" opponent in a four-round Flyweight bout.
Margarito is making his long-awaited and controversial return to the ring after more than a year out of action due to a suspension for attempting to use illegal handwraps in his January 2009 bout with Shane Mosley. "I miss going into the ring," Margarito stated through an interpreter. "I miss training. I'm very anxious to get out and fight, especially in Mexico."
Margarito's opponent is far less experienced, but is confident and insists he isn't in over his head. "I'm not star-struck by Tony. I'm not blinded by the light. Upsets happen all the time; just ask Mike Tyson," Garcia stated. "I'm not coming for a pay check."
Bob Arum went on the offensive before the interview session opened up, telling the audience, "You don't deprive a man of his livelihood, based on utter speculation and without a shred of evidence.
OTHER NOTABLE QUOTES
Antonio Margarito:
"I want to thank the fans that have always been behind me. I'm as good as ever.
Abel Sanchez (trainer of Antillon):
"If Brandon (Rios) doesn't show up 100% he's going to be in trouble"
Brandon Rios:
"My condition is more than 100%. I don't have to worry about that."
Trainer Robert Garcia:
"I've always heard Freddie Roach is the best trainer in the world. I want to be the best."
"I've fought him (Roach) once and I beat him."