When Pacquiao and Margarito step in the ring on November 13th, they'll be fighting for a vacant WBC Jr. Middleweight title. Pacquiao has never fought above 147 and Margarito has only fought once, since ending his suspension, against lowly Robert Garcia. Add a catchweight of 150 pounds and what do you get? A Top Rank payoff for Pacquiao to win a title in his eighth weight class by beating up a fighter who's coming off a year suspension after getting caught trying to cheat. As if that wasn't bad enough, here are five more things that are wrong with Pacquiao vs. Margarito.
1. Another catchweight? Really? Call me crazy, but if you're going to claim that you've won a title in a weight division, shouldn't you at least be willing to win it by abiding by the rules of the commission? After all, there's a reason why it's called the 154-pound division as opposed to the 150-pound division.
2. First it was Abu Dhabi, then Las Vegas, then Texas, then Mexico, now Abu Dhabi again....no wait...now Vegas...no...now Cowboys Stadium, and back to Abu Dhabi again. It's getting tough to keep up. There's a strong possibility that the banners and poster will read, "Pacquiao vs. Margarito, November 13th, Live at TBA."
3. Seriously, Abu Dhabi? What's Arum thinking? If he's seriously considering taking this fight to another country, wouldn't it be better to take it to the home country of newly-elected Congressman Pacquiao? Arum's always talking about fights stimulating the local economy, so perhaps Congressman Pacquiao can start his political career on a high note and make a recommendation to his boss to bring the fight to his home.
4. You already know that the undercard is going to be garbage. As the sun gives way to the moon, this is going to be an awful promotion and a terrible card from top to bottom. Expect an undercard filled with Top Rank talent matched up against a group of no-hopers. Don't be surprised to see names like Matt Korobov or Lamont Peterson matched up against the always dangers TBA.
5. What exactly do you call a fight that has absolutely no meaning or purpose whatsoever other than to get Manny Pacquiao another title in a fictitious weight class? Come to think of it, what exactly do you call a fight that's headlined by one fighter coming off of a year-long suspension after getting caught trying to use illegal handwraps? How about "This One's For Manny" or "Cheaters Do Prosper". Or maybe they just won't name it at all and just refer to it as "The Fight That Shall Not Be Named."