Margarito hires high-profile attorney Daniel Petrocelli for Tuesday hearing

by Scott Christ on Feb 8, 2009 10:03 PM EST in Boxing News Analysis

When Antonio Margarito goes before the California State Athletic Commission on Tuesday with his trainer Javier Capetillo, Top Rank chief Bob Arum and right-hand man Todd duBoef won't be the only two in his corner.

Daniel Petrocelli, who represented Fred Goldman in his successful wrongful death suit against O.J. Simpson and also represented convicted Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling, will be Margarito's lawyer.

Said Arum, "We're not fooling around. Petrocelli's the best." He also noted that they have full confidence that Margarito did not "knowingly cheat," and that the foreign substance was not plaster of Paris or anything like it.

If Margarito and Capetillo are found guilty of that, though, both face long-term and potentially lifetime bans from the sport. A lot rides on the outcome of the investigation, the biggest of which is Margarito's reputation, the least of which at this point is a June rematch with Miguel Cotto, which is a guaranteed money-maker for Top Rank.

We will be here on Tuesday with as up-to-the-minute news as is possible on Margarito's hearing. I'm hoping ESPNews will be there so we can watch it live, because right now, this is the biggest issue in boxing.

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Comments

wow, serious gunner ya got there Bob

If there is a shade of doubt, Margo will walk with that hand-cannon in his corner. To me it seems pretty black and white based on what the substance was, but maybe it’s more complex than that. We’ll see, I’ll be paying close attention Tuesday

by lcollins1 on Feb 9, 2009 12:39 AM EST reply actions

correction: depending on what the substance was

if it was wet baby powder, he’s cool. I’m just not sure how Petrocelli will be a major factor if it was a clearly malicious product in the wrap.

by lcollins1 on Feb 9, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't say Petrocelli's the best lawyer in the world

But he’s great at manipulating the court of public opinion, which is probably more important in this case.

I’m just not sure how Petrocelli will be a major factor if it was a clearly malicious product in the wrap.

I can absolutely guarantee you his defense will revolve around Margarito’s lack of knowledge that there was any monkey business going on with his wraps. Arum would gladly have Cepetillo take all the blame if it means Margarito just gets a slap on the wrist.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Feb 9, 2009 10:55 AM EST reply actions