Margarito Rushes From NY Presser To Train For Pacquiao

Source: Michael Marley | boxingscene.com

Forget about being quietly confident. That does not seem to be Antonio Margarito's way.

The Mexican Mauler is not all about cheap talk and bluster but, in his appearance at a New York news conference with Manny Pacquiao Wednesday for their Nov. 13 title bout in Arlington, Texas, the formerly banned fighter predicted an upset victory.

It had to burn in Margarito's ears when it was mentioned from the podium by WBC Vice President and heir apparent Mauricio Sulaiman that Pacman's "Mexicutioner" record is a sterling 10-1-1.

Margarito is not looking to be the 11th notch on Manny's Mexican gun belt.

After being introduced at Chelsea Piers by Todd duBoef, who played the "Lou Gehrig role" by subbing for stepfather "Wally Pipp" Bob Arum, away in Seattle on his family emergency, Margarito made his bad intentions clear.

"This is a fight I always wanted," Margarito said. "I'm very happy. I can't wait to become the WBC champion because this is my first opportunity to do so.

"Of course, I know Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter. I expect a tough fight but Mexico will be on a high because I'm going to win this fight."

Margarito got a warm reception from the spectators, most of whom were Pacman adoring Pinoys.

Don't think Margarito will not train like a bear for this fight.

After leaving the presser, he and trainer Robert Garcia scooted off to the Church Street Gym for a non-sparring workout.

Quit often, fighters in the midst of a grueling three city press tour defer training until they are done with the media work.

"We ran Tuesday morning in LA," former IBF 130 pound champ Garcia said. "Today, we worked up a good sweat doing shadow boxing and the like; We'll run while we're in Dallas and maybe we can find a good facility to work out also."

With personal and Mexican pride on the line, Margarito will bring his lunch pail to Cowboys Stadium, of that we may be sure.

"We're not fooling around," Garcia said. "We'll go back to Oxnard and really start working hard. We're coming to put on a good fight. We're coming to win. People should already know that about Antonio, that he comes to perform and to win."