The New York State Athletic Commission deliberated and ultimately granted a boxing license to Antonio Margarito on Tuesday afternoon. Margarito applied late for a license, and the NYSAC was concerned about the boxer's health following eye surgery:
In the last week, the New York State Athletic Commission and Top Rank, the promoters of the fight, hit a brick wall regarding Margarito's licensing. While applying this late in the game is not unusual, Margarito was himself an unusual case. Without an active license in New York, and coming off of an eye surgery, the famously cautious NYSAC held a hearing on November 18 to address their concerns. At the end of it, Margarito was ordered to see a doctor of their choosing.
Had the NYSAC chosen not to grant a boxing license to Margarito, there was a chance that the fight would be moved to Denver, but now that Margarito has his New York license in hand, the fight will go on at Madison Square Garden as scheduled.
For more on the bout between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, visit Bad Left Hook.