Cotto vs Margarito: Denver, Phoenix Leading Candidates to Land Fight if Margarito Isn't Licensed in NY

Denver's Pepsi Center and Phoenix's US Airways Center appear to be the leading candidates to land the December 3 HBO pay-per-view rematch between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, if Margarito's application for a boxing license in New York is turned down today or tomorrow.

Word going around is that Margarito will not be licensed in New York, and Top Rank is moving to make arrangements as quickly as possible.

BoxingScene.com reports that Top Rank officials will be in Denver today to meet with arena representatives. If that is the plan, tickets could be available as soon as Wednesday.

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Denver and Phoenix are both cities that could turn into more familiar boxing locales if promoters are aggressive enough, as local draws like Mike Alvarado in Denver and Jesus Gonzales in Phoenix have shown that there is, indeed, quite an audience for boxing. Phoenix would also offer relatively close location (5-6 hour drive) to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas, which could bring in fans willing to make a weekend trip for a big fight like this one.

As for Cowboys Stadium and other venues in Texas, and the venues in Mississippi that were being considered, those appear to be out of the running.

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