Jerry Jones Looks to Pack the House for Pacquiao vs. Margarito

Added on Sep 01, 2010 by Brian Blake in

Boxing

It was pretty much a foregone conclusion, once it was announced that Antonio “The Tijuana Tornado” Margarito was licensed to fight the the state of Texas, that his upcoming superfight with Filipino superstar, Manny Pacquiao, would wind up at Jerry Jones’ new Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas which will be distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View on Saturday, November 13.

“Cowboys Stadium was built for Super Bowls and super fights. Pacquiao vs. Margarito combines the best elements of both,” said Jones. “The fans of North Texas embraced Manny Pacquiao as boxing’s No. 1 pound for pound attraction when he fought here in March and we cannot wait to extend our hospitality to him again and to

fellow world champion Antonio Margarito. This is a great fight, and it is one we can showcase to the fullest in Cowboys Stadium.”

It will be the second ever fight held at the venue, both of which will feature the “Pacman”. Jones, owner of the $1.2 billion dollar facility, was able to sell around 51,000 tickets back in March as Pacquiao outpointed Joshua Clottey over the course of 12 uneventful rounds. With the win, Pacquiao held on to his WBO welterweight crown.

It was an honor to fight in the first world championship held at Cowboys Stadium. Jerry Jones was a wonderful host,” said Pacquiao. “I look forward to returning to Cowboys Stadium and fighting before the wonderful fans in North Texas. I know Antonio Margarito poses great challenges for me but Freddie Roach and I will train our hardest to win. I am fighting for more than pride or history. I am fighting for the glory of the Philippines.”

This time around in the house that Jones built, Pacquiao and Margarito will be vying for the recently vacated WBC junior middleweight title. If successful, Pacquiao will set a record with an unprecedented eighth world title in as many weight divisions.

This fight will also mark Pacquiao’s first trip back to the squared circle since winning a congressional seat on May 10.

On the flip side, things haven’t been quite as celebratory for the Tijuana native, Margarito. This will be just his second trip to the ring since his 2009 ninth round TKO loss to future hall-of-famer “Sugar” Shane Mosley. In addition to losing his coveted title, prior to the fight Margarito was found to be using an illegal substance in his hand wraps which resulted in a yearlong suspension from the sport.

His return bout resulted in a 10 round unanimous decision against Robert Garcia in which he picked up the WBC International Jr. Middleweight strap.

His fight with Pacquiao will be his first in the United States in over a year and a half.

“I look forward to this fight with Manny Pacquiao to prove once again that I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Margarito. “Pacquiao has stopped some of the best Mexican fighters in the world, but he won’t be able to stop this Mexican.”

Bob Arum, Founder and President of Top Rank, Inc., has been one of the sports top promoters for a number of years now and currently represents both Pacquiao and Margarito. Leading up to the fight Arum has already kicked off a three city press tour which includes stops in Los Angeles, New York and Texas.

“Jerry Jones has ushered in a new era in boxing as 51,000 fans witnessed at Cowboys Stadium last March when Manny defended his welterweight title,” said Arum.

“Jerry knows exactly how to present an event of this magnitude which is why it is so easy to work together again. Manny and Antonio have never backed away from a challenge. They don’t go around obstacles they meet them head-on, which is exactly what they will do on November 13 when they face each other in the ring for the world title. It’s going to be a night to remember for the fans in North Texas and those watching on pay-per-view around the world.”

In addition to the press tour put on by Arum, HBO Sports will be doing their part by chronically the lives of both fighters on the Emmy award winning and critically acclaimed 24/7 series as they gear up for the event.

“Manny Pacquiao is a boxing superstar and a world figure,” said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. “Cowboy Stadium is a world-class venue. We look forward to bringing sports fans another big night with the Pacquiao-Margarito telecast on November 13.”

For boxing fans that look to witness the fight ringside tickets to Pacquiao vs. Margarito, they will be priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, go on sale Saturday, September 18 and can be purchased in-person at the Cowboys Stadium ticket office in Arlington. For those planning to watch it at home the Pacquiao vs. Margarito pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95.