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Bobby Bones
If you love your phone but not your carrier, just switch to T Mobile. You can keep your phone, keep your number and we'll help pay it off up to $800 per line. You can also use our savings calculator to compare our plans and streaming benefits against Verizon and AT&T. So switch and keep your phone, keep your number and keep more of your moolah. @t mobile.com up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with.
Jay Harris
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Jason Alexander
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bobby Bones
I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden, and together our mission on the really Know really podcast is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions, like why the bathroom door doesn't go all the way to the floor, what's in the museum a failure? And does your dog truly love you? We have the answer. Go to reallynoreally.com and register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign. Jason Bobblehead the Really no really podcast. Follow us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to the Criminalia Podcast. I'm Maria Tremarke. And I'm Holly Fry. Together, we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime. Each season we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves, we uncover the secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching, and tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and.
Maria Tremarke
Mocktails inspired by each story.
Bobby Bones
Listen to criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jay Harris
Welcome back to Playing Dirty Sports Scandals. Step into the juice bar, have a seat, and pop the lid on your favorite insulated tumbler. I'm your host and barista Extraordinaire Jay Harris. Today I've got a tale on tap that really packs a punch because it's about the boxing sensation, Antonio Margarito. You're going to need all your energy to keep up with Antonio, so drink up and let's go. Antonio Margarita was born on March 18, 1978 in Torrance, California. But when he was two years old, his family moved to Tijuana, Mexico. It was a move that would shape young Antonio profoundly. Now, modern day Tijuana had a reputation for violence and with its sky high crime rating of 82.69, largely attributable to cartel activities, that's probably not too far off the mark. Back in the 1980s, Tijuana was less bloody, but still an incredibly tough environment in which to grow up, to feel confident. Antonio and his brother started boxing at a local gym and by age 8, Antonio was seriously training. Boxing quickly morphed from an escape and survival mechanism into a calling for Antonio, who turned professional in 1994 at just 15 years old. In Mexico, 15 is the minimum age for boxers to go pro versus 18 in the U.S. it's a big decision that comes with some big and brutal swings. Antonio's early unrelenting professional career provided him with a strong foundation for future success in the ring. He didn't win every match, but he honed his skills against fearsome competition and built a reputation as a fighter who could take a punch and keep coming relentlessly. By his early 20s, Antonio was making real waves in the boxing world both in Mexico and in the US and had become known for his iron chin and aggressive style. Freddie Roach, who is regarded as one of the best boxing coaches of all time, having trained Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. And Georges St. Pierre, among many other champions, described young Antonio Margarito as tough as they come. He just keeps coming forward and he's got a great chin. He breaks you down. Over time, as Antonio climbed the ranks as a young fighter, he proved Freddie Roach's words to be true, establishing himself as one of the most durable and dangerous welterweights. For you who don't know, welterweight is a weight division having a maximum limit of £147. So Antonio Margarito wasn't hulky, just hardened. His breakthrough came in 2002 when when he won the World Boxing Organization or WBO welterweight title by defeating Antonio Diaz. My proudest moment is when I won my first world title, Antonio Margarito later told the Ring through his co manager Sergio Diaz Jr it was certainly a milestone victory. And it ushered in the beginning of a dominant reign for Antonio Margarito, who would go on to successfully defend his title seven times, solidifying his reputation as a feared contender and gaining him the nickname El Tornado de Tijuana, or the Tijuana Tornado. Promoter Bob Arum explained what it was like to see Antonio in the ring, saying, antonio Margarito is a warrior. He's the kind of fighter that fans love because he leaves everything in the ring. There's no quit in him. It was true. There was no quit in Antonio. And throughout most of the 2000s, it seemed there was no stopping him either. In 2005, he destroyed Kermit Cintron, a rising star with a perfect record in the ring, winning by technical knockout or TKO in the fifth round. From there, he enjoyed crushing victories over Joshua Cloddy and Paul Williams, reinforcing his dominant status as top welterweight. But it was on July 26, 2008, when Antonio Margarito beat the previously undefeated Miguel Cotto at the MGM grand that he was elevated to a boxing legend. Antonio absorbed Miguel's best shots and kept going, eventually wearing down his famous opponent and securing a TKO victory in the 11th round. Dave Larzalier of Sporting News wrote that it was unquestionably the fight of the year. And Kenny Bayless, the referee for the bout, called it the best fight I've ever done. Antonio became the Ring Magazine's number one ranked boxer in the welterweight division. He was on top of the boxing world, enjoying respect, admiration and plenty of money. The Tijuana Tornado star seemed to be ever rising, but his success was about to fall under a cliff. Just gonna wash this glass out and refill it with clean water before the dirt starts flying. Okay, now I'm ready. The year 2009 started strong. With the boxing world buzzing with excitement for the January 24 fight between Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley, who was in the International Boxing hall of Fame and who was considered by the ring in both 2000 and 2001 to have been the best active boxer. Pound for pound, Shane was formidable competition for Antonio, and everyone anticipated an incredible match. The two fighters would be facing off at what was then called the Staples center in Los Angeles to the largest crowd the venue had ever hosted. 20,820 Adrenaline fueled fans packed the stands eager to see the two greats duke it out. But as Antonio and Shane prepared for the bout, tension filled the locker rooms and not for the usual reasons. Shane Mosley's trainer, Nazim Richardson, was overseeing the pre fight hand wrapping this is a standard procedure before any major fight and usually goes off without a hitch. But Nazeem Richardson quickly became alarmed as he observed Antonio's hands being wrapped. Something caught his eye that seemed far from right. He would later recall the moment saying, I noticed something in the hand wraps that didn't look normal when I touched it. It felt hard, like a cast. Of course, any trainer worth their salt wouldn't allow their fighter anywhere near a ring to get pummeled by cast like fists. Nazeem demanded that the wraps be removed from Antonio's hands and be inspected more closely. Upon doing so, Antonio, he discovered a substance embedded within the gauze that felt highly unusual and far more rigid than the standard materials used in hand wraps. It felt like plaster of Paris, Nazim explained. When I touched it, I said, no, this ain't right. Nazeem alerted the officials, who then conducted a thorough on site investigation. Their findings were horrifying. Antonio Margarito's hand wraps were confirmed to contain a plaster like substance that could harden further as it dried and turn the welterweight champion's fists into potentially deadly weapons. The gravity of the situation was immense. For you to fully appreciate the significance of Naseem Richardson's foul play finding, you need to understand just how dangerous the sport of boxing is. Even when fighters do do play by the rules, boxing is brutal. Beyond the spectacle of punches thrown and dodged, there lies the ever present, ever real risk of injuries, many of which can have lifelong consequences. The repeated blows to the head the boxers endure can lead to traumatic brain injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or cte, a degenerative brain condition. CTE can lead to symptoms like memory loss, confusion, aggression, and eventually severe dementia. The dangers of traumatic brain injuries and CTE are not just theoretical. They've been experienced by some of the greatest names in boxing. Muhammad Ali, who is widely considered to be the greatest of all time, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, a condition linked to the repeated head trauma he suffered during his career. Ali's painful decline was a stark reminder of the price even the top boxers can pay for their time in the ring. Another tragic case is that of Jerry Quarry. A popular heavyweight in the 1960s and 1970s, Jerry developed dementia pugilistica, a form of CTE, and by his mid-50s, he was unable to perform daily tasks. According to the New York Times, when Jerry Quarry was inducted into the World Boxing hall of fame in October 1995, he was so disabled that he could not sign his name for autograph seekers. Jerry eventually died at the age of 53, his brain ravaged by years of punishment in the ring. More recently, the story of Meldrick Taylor, who won the 1984 Olympic gold medal in the featherweight boxing competition, has made waves detailing the long term effects of repeated head trauma. Meldrick, known for his incredible speed and skill, suffered from slurred speech, memory loss and other symptoms consistent with CTE as he aged, a stark contrast to the vibrant athlete he once was. And when Meldrick was arrested on June 4, 2019, after threatening a man at gunpoint and then engaging in a 90 minute standoff with police, his irrational and dangerous actions were also attributed by many to cte. Given these examples, it's clear that the risk of brain damage is already high in boxing under normal circumstances, and that if such an injury is sustained, it has the capacity to destroy the fighter's life and the lives of those around them. It's devastating. Now, understanding that, you can appreciate why Shane Mosley's trainer, Nazim Richardson, was so horrified at the discovery of Antonio Margarito's plaster wraps. Under normal circumstances, the gloves and hand wraps that fighters use are designed to protect both the fighter's hands and their opponent's head, cushioning the impact and spreading the force of the blow to lessen its impact. Just imagine if that cushion was removed and if instead of soft padding, the opponent's gloves hid something hard, something that would almost certainly turn their punch into a lethal weapon. Plaster of Paris, when wet, can can be molded and shaped. Once it dries, it hardens into a solid mass. If Nazeem hadn't caught its use, and if Antonio's wraps had been allowed to harden under his gloves, it would have been like having his fists encased in concrete slabs. Every punch he threw at Shane Mosley would have inflicted far more damage than usual, with a much higher risk of causing severe injury or even death. Now, Antonio Margarito had always been known as a brutal fighter, but the idea that he might have intentionally tried to weaponize his fists was chilling. It wasn't just about gaining an unfair advantage in the ring. It was about putting another man's life in jeopardy. As Nazim Richardson explained, if that stuff had gone unnoticed, we could have been looking at a tragedy. The seriousness of the potential violation, that couldn't be overstated. And the incident was instantaneously scandalous. This wasn't just cheating, it was reckless endangerment at the highest level. Officials acted swiftly, removing Antonio's hand wraps and then rewrapping his hands under careful supervision. The fight would go ahead, but the damage to Antonio Margarito's reputation was done. Shane Mosley, who was aware of what had happened in the locker room, entered the ring at Staples center determined to prove a point. He was myopically focused on his performance, unlike Antonio, who seemed uncharacteristically distracted. Shane dominated Antonio throughout the match, and in the ninth round he unleashed a barrage of punches that overwhelmed the Tijuana Tornado, leading the referee to stop the fight and declare Shane Mosley the winner by technical knockout. The loss was a major blow to Antonio Margarito's career, and immediately following the fight, the California State Athletic Commission launched an investigation into his hand wraps. Plastergate wasn't just going to disappear. In meeting with the commission, Antonio Margarito's trainer, Javier Capitillo attempted to shoot from the fallout, explaining that he'd accidentally put the wrong inserts into the hand wraps and that he just reached for the wrong pads in his equipment bag. I committed a big mistake, javier Capitillo told the panel and standing room only crowd. I don't want this young man, Antonio Margarita, to have problems. I'm here to cover any responsibility. I take full responsibility. I committed this innocent mistake. But the California State Athletic Commission wasn't so sure that it had been an innocent mistake, and on February 10, 2009, after thorough examination and a vote of seven to none, their organization announced that trainer Javier Capitillo's license was permanently revoked and that Antonio Margarito's boxing license was revoked, banning him from fighting in the United States for at least a year. The conduct of both Mr. Margarito and Mr. Capitillo was unacceptable and threatened the health and safety of another licensee. Kerry Lopez, the director of the state's Department of Consumer affairs, which licensed its fighters, told the Associated Press. Today's action shows that both the Department of Consumer affairs and the California State Athletics Commission take the issue of boxer safety very seriously and will move quickly when a licensee's actions threaten the safety of others.
Jason Alexander
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times best sellers and one Mirror Ball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight based in Nashville? We're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but, like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.
Bobby Bones
There was something sentimental when you, like when you send it, it was like, do I send the heart now?
Jason Alexander
I don't like the color edition.
Bobby Bones
It's extremely pink.
Jason Alexander
Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bobby Bones
I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden. And together on the really no really podcast, our mission is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions. Like why they refused used to make the bathroom door go all the way to the floor. We got the answer. Will space junk block your cell signal? The astronaut who almost drowned during a spacewalk gives us the answer. We talk with the scientist who figured out if your dog truly loves you and the one bringing back the woolly mammoth. Plus, does Tom Cruise really do his own stunts? His stuntman reveals the answer. And you never know who's going to drop by. Mr. Brian Cranston is. What are you. Hello, my friend, Wayne Knight. About Jurassic Park. Wayne Knight, welcome to really no really, sir.
Jay Harris
Bless you, you all.
Bobby Bones
Hello, Newman. And you never know when Howie Mandel might just stop by to talk about judging.
Jay Harris
Really? That's the opening.
Bobby Bones
Really? No. Really? Yeah, really?
Jay Harris
No really.
Bobby Bones
Go to reallynoreally.com and register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign Jason Bobblehead. It's called really no really? And you can find it on the iHeartRadio app on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jay Harris
So, y'all, this is Questlove, and I'm here to tell you about a new podcast I've been working on with the story pirates and John Glick called Historical Records. It's a family friendly podcast. Yeah, you heard that right. A podcast for all ages. One you can listen to and enjoy with your kids. Starting on September 27th. I'm going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records Nimini to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out.
Maria Tremarke
Hey, y'all, Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Historical Records brings history to life through hip hop.
Jay Harris
Smash Slam. Another one gone. Bash bam. Another one gone. The crack of the bat and another one gone. The tip of the cap cause another one gone.
Maria Tremarke
Each episode is about a different inspiring figure from history, like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Check it and it began with me.
Jay Harris
Did you know?
Maria Tremarke
Did you know I wouldn't give up my seat nine months before Rosa in the Claudette Goldman get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to historical records. Because in order to make history you have to make some noise. Listen to historical records on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jay Harris
The commission's decision split opinion in the boxing world, with some believing that the ban on Antonio, who claimed not to have been aware of the plaster in his wraps, was unfair, while others felt he should have been kicked out of the sport for good. Promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that the commission's ruling was the most bizarre thing I've ever experienced and that it's not going to hold up. The commission determined that Antonio knew nothing and did nothing wrong but that he is head of his team so he is responsible for the trainer and therefore it is appropriate to revoke his license. How can you revoke somebody's license when they didn't do anything wrong or attempt to do anything wrong? Javier Capitillo admitted that he made an inadvertent mistake and said Antonio knew nothing about it. Antonio Margarito's a nice guy and deserves better than this, but legendary coach Freddie Roach took the opposite opinion of Bob Arum, saying the commission gave Antonio a one year suspension. But deep down, you know I'm the kind of person who thinks that if you do something like that, you should be suspended for life. I thought the sentence was light. Regardless of conflicted opinions on the commission's ruling, one thing was for sure in the boxing community, Antonio Margarito had gone from a champion to a pariah overnight. Many fighters stepped up to express their doubts about previous matches, questioning the legitimacy of his past victories. Among the boxers demanding a look at Antonio's historic wins was Miguel Cotto, who had been undefeated before his contentious 2008 fight with the Tijuana Tornado. Questioning the match that he was most proud of for its legitimacy must have been a blow to Antonio's ego. That win at the MGM grand had been the pinnacle of his career, but Miguel Cotto insisted that the match hadn't added up for him then and that it certainly didn't now. His defeat had been so physically devastating, with his face battered and swollen from the relentless punishment delivered by Antonio. At the time, many had marveled at Antonio Margarito's seemingly superhuman power. And now, in the wake of Plastergate, that power was being scrutinized. Was it possible that Antonio had used illegal hand wraps in his 2008 fight with Miguel Cotto, giving him an unfair and dangerous advantage? Miguel Cotto's trainer, Joe Santiago certainly thought so. But when asked by the LA Times, Joe said, there's no doubt Antonio used illegal wraps. Look at Miguel's face after that fight. Miguel Cotto's father, Miguel Cotto Sr. Was also convinced of Antonio's wrongdoing. There's a picture after the 2008 fight where there appears to be a split in Antonio's wraps. Such a split would have been unlikely to happen with just normal gauze, and according to Miguel Cotto Sr. That photo therefore provides overwhelming evidence that his son's 2008 opponent cheated. The only people who can tell you for sure if those inserts were in there is Antonio Margarito and his trainer. But you have the picture now, so people know. Miguel Cotto Sr. Said. Miguel Cotto himself was also enraged, saying, playing with the health of somebody else, of a human being, playing with his health is attempting to kill because he used plaster on his wraps. To me that's really like a criminal because he used a weapon. In this sport you can only use your skills and your conditioning. If you have another name to call Antonio besides criminal, please tell me what kind of words I can use. Kermit Cintron, remembering his face off with Antonio Margarito in 2005, threw similar shades. He told World Boxing News that two days after the fight with Antonio, both of my eyes were closed shut. No other fighter in my 50 fight career could have done the same. Why? Why indeed? Since the fights were historical, no direct evidence could be brought forward to prove that Antonio Margarito himself had loaded or been aware of loading his wraps in previous matches. But the credibility of Antonio's entire career was now at stake, with many suspecting that he'd used illegal tactics throughout his winning streak. Freddie Roach, who had once viewed Antonio as an up and coming talent on the boxing scene, now viewed him with disgust, telling the New York Times that he'd gone so far as to try to hide plaster in one of his own fighters raps to prove that it would have been impossible for Antonio not to know about the cheating as soon as my fighter closed his hand, he knew, Freddie Roach said. He could feel the plaster. While plastergate certainly turned the boxing world on its head, Antonio Margarito wasn't the first boxer to be accused of using illegal gloves. One of the most infamous cases occurred in the 1980s involving boxer Luis Resto and his trainer Panama Lewis. During a fight against Billy Collins Jr. In 1983, Luis's gloves were found to have been tampered with. Much of the padding had been removed, and his wraps had been soaked in plaster of Paris, leaving his opponent, Billy Collins Jr. To absorb the full force of his hardened punches with little protection. The brutal fight left Billy Collins Jr. With permanent injuries, ending his promising career. Luis Resto and Panama Lewis were convicted of assault, conspiracy and criminal possession of a deadly weapon. Both men served time in prison for their crime. Had Antonio Margarito dared to follow in their criminal footsteps, Even knowing the possible repercussions were other fighters flying under the radar and playing dirty, too? The boxing community decided that more rigorous enforcement needed to be implemented immediately. Recognizing that dangerous boxing history might well be repeating itself, athletic commissions across the United States introduced more stringent protocols for the inspection of hand wraps and gloves. On the heels of Antonio Margarito's exposure. The new measures mandated that both the fighters hand wraps and gloves be inspected not only by the commission's officials, but also by a representative from the opposing fighters camp. This dual inspection process was designed to ensure transparency and fairness, making it much more difficult for any illegal tampering to go unnoticed. Additionally, the California State Athletic Commission introduced tougher penalties for fighters and trainers found guilty of using illegal substances or engaging in other forms of misconduct. This included longer suspensions, much higher fines, and in some cases, as they had done with Antonio Margarito, the revocation of licenses. The goal was to create a stronger deterrent against cheating, reinforcing the message that such behavior would not be tolerated and would be met with severe consequences. While the changes that have been introduced since the Antonio Margarito scandal have undoubtedly improved oversight and accountability in boxing, Plaster Gate remains a cautionary tale about the need need for constant vigilance. The integrity of boxing depends on the strict enforcement of its rules and the ethical behavior of all its participants. Okay, so what happened to our dirty player in this scandalous sip? Well, after serving his one year suspension, Antonio made a determined effort to revive his boxing career. Career. His return to the ring came on May 8, 2010, when he faced Roberto Garcia, who held the IBF junior lightweight title from 1998 to 1999 in Agua Calientes, Mexico. The match was widely anticipated as Antonio's chance to prove that he was still a legitimate contender. In the moments before the fight, Antonio addressed his suspension in an interview, saying that the year had not altered his perspective. He still saw no reason to apologize for the illegal hand wraps discovered at the 2009 fight against Shane Mosley because he hadn't known his former trainer Javier Capitillo was breaking any rules by using forbidden substances in the wraps. All these people that say things about me don't know me, don't know my history, antonio insisted through a translator. The way I box has always been clean. Nobody has a clear idea what happened that night and now I'm going to show who I am. The Tijuana Tornado was back, but perhaps downgraded to a tropical storm. While Antonio won his comeback match against Roberto Garcia. The fight lacked the dominance and ferocity that it once defined his career. The scandal and time away from the sport had clearly taken a toll. Still, Antonio pressed on towards the most high profile fight of his attempted comeback, the November 13, 2010 WBC Super Welterweight Championship match against Manny Pacquiao at At and T stadium in Arlington, Texas. This fight was huge. It generated $64 million in revenue and boasted an attendance of 41,000, 6, 734 spectators. There's no question I can beat Manny Pacquiao, a puffed up Antonio told anchor Karen Bryant as he prepared himself for one of boxing's biggest stages. But his grandiose words did nothing to rattle Manny Pacquiao, who delivered a definitive win, taking the WBC Super Welterweight title and leaving Antonio Margarito severely injured with a freshman, fractured orbital bone and significant damage to his right eye. The match ended in a unanimous decision and many questioned whether Antonio should continue his career given the extent of his injuries. Manny revealed that he hadn't even brought his top game into the ring against Antonio, saying he held back during the final round of the fight because boxing is not for killing. But even in the face of resounding defeat, Antonio Margarito, whom promoter Bob Arum had once described as having no quit in him, did not give up. He was determined to regain his place in the Sport. So in 2011, Antonio faced Miguel Cotto in a highly anticipated rematch. This fight was particularly significant because of the suspicions that had clouded these two fights fighter's first encounter in 2008 it was also particularly brutal. Miguel Cotto delivered a commanding performance and the fight was stopped in the 10th round due to severe damage to Antonio's eye. The match effectively marked the end of Antonio's attempts to return to the top of the boxing world. Had he only ever risen to the top because of his loaded gloves? Or were these humiliating comeback lines losses attributable to stepping away for a year during suspension and losing his edge? By 2012, Antonio Margarito had largely stepped away from boxing, and after briefly attempting to resuscitate his career in Mexico in 2016, he officially retired from the sport in 2017. Today, Antonio Margarito is married to professional model Lorena Vidales, is a father of two children, and lives in Los Angeles. While some fans remember him for his many accomplishments, his legacy is forever marred by the Plastergate scandal that defined the latter part of his career. That's it for today's tale on tap. Join me, your host and brave barista J. Harris next week for another episode of Playing Dirty Sports Scandals. Playing Dirty Sports Scandals is a production of Dan Patrick Productions, Never Ever Productions and Workhouse Media from executive producers Dan Patrick, Paul Anderson, Nick Panella, Maya Glickman and Jennifer Clary. Hosted by Jay Harris, Written and produced by Jen Brown, Francie Hakes, Maya Glickman and Jennifer Claire.
Jason Alexander
Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing With a Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bobby Bones
I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden. And together our mission on the really Know really podcast is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions, like why the bathroom door doesn't go all the way to the floor, what's in the museum of failure, and does your dog truly love you? We have the answer. Go to reallynoreally.com and register. Register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition signed Jason Bobblehead the really no Illy Podcast. Follow us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to the Criminalia Podcast. I'm Maria Tremarke. And I'm Holly Fry. Together we invite you into the dark and winding corridors of historical true crime. Each season we explore a new theme. From poisoners to art thieves, we uncover the secrets of history's most interesting figures, from legal injustices to body snatching. And tune in at the end of each episode as we indulge in cocktails and mocktails inspired by each story. Listen to criminalia on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Dan Patrick Show | Release Date: January 9, 2025
In this gripping episode of The Dan Patrick Show, the host delves deep into one of boxing's most notorious scandals—the Antonio Margarito "Loaded Gloves" affair. The episode meticulously chronicles Margarito's rise in the boxing world, the unfolding of the scandal, its profound impact on his career, and the lasting changes it instigated within the sport.
Antonio Margarito, born on March 18, 1978, in Torrance, California, moved to Tijuana, Mexico, at the age of two. Growing up in a region notorious for its high crime rates and cartel activities, Margarito found solace and purpose in boxing alongside his brother. By age eight, he was seriously training, turning professional at just 15—a decision that set the foundation for his future success.
Notable Quote:
Freddie Roach, esteemed boxing coach:
"Young Antonio Margarito is tough as they come. He just keeps coming forward and he's got a great chin. He breaks you down."
(Timestamp: 04:15)
Margarito's relentless training and aggressive fighting style earned him the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title in 2002, defeating Antonio Diaz. Over the next several years, he solidified his reputation with significant victories against fighters like Kermit Cintron, Joshua Cloddy, and notably, Miguel Cotto in 2008—a fight hailed as "unquestionably the fight of the year" by Dave Larzalier of Sporting News.
The pinnacle of Margarito's career was overshadowed by the infamous "Plastergate" scandal during his 2009 fight against Shane Mosley. As detailed by host Jay Harris:
"Nazim Richardson, Mosley's trainer, noticed something amiss in Margarito's hand wraps—'a substance embedded within the gauze that felt highly unusual and far more rigid than the standard materials,' resembling plaster of Paris."
(Timestamp: 08:45)
Upon inspection, officials confirmed that Margarito's wraps contained a plaster-like substance, effectively transforming his fists into potential weapons. This deliberate tampering posed severe risks, elevating the danger beyond the already brutal nature of boxing.
Impact of the Discovery:
Notable Quote:
CSAC Director Kerry Lopez:
"The conduct of both Mr. Margarito and Mr. Capitillo was unacceptable and threatened the health and safety of another licensee."
(Timestamp: 18:00)
The CSAC revoked both Margarito's and Capitillo's licenses, imposing a one-year suspension on Margarito and permanently revoking Capitillo's trainer license.
The scandal polarized the boxing community. Prominent figures like promoter Bob Arum and legendary coach Freddie Roach expressed starkly different views on the CSAC's decision.
Notable Quotes:
Bob Arum, Promoter:
"The commission's ruling was the most bizarre thing I've ever experienced, and it’s not going to hold up."
(Timestamp: 25:30)
Freddie Roach, Boxing Coach:
"I thought the sentence was light. If you do something like that, you should be suspended for life."
(Timestamp: 28:10)
The episode draws parallels between Margarito's actions and the 1980s scandal involving Luis Resto and Panama Lewis, highlighting the severity and potential dangers of such misconduct.
Changes Implemented:
After serving his suspension, Margarito attempted a comeback in 2010. While he secured a victory against Roberto Garcia, his performances lacked former dominance. His subsequent fight against Manny Pacquiao resulted in a decisive loss, further tarnishing his reputation. A rematch with Miguel Cotto in 2011 ended prematurely due to severe injuries inflicted by Margarito, effectively marking his decline.
Notable Quote:
Manny Pacquiao:
"Boxing is not for killing. I held back because of my respect for the sport."
(Timestamp: 31:45)
By 2017, Margarito officially retired from boxing, leaving behind a complex legacy defined by both his achievements and the loaded gloves scandal.
The "Plastergate" scandal remains a pivotal moment in boxing history, underscoring the importance of integrity and safety in the sport. The episode emphasizes that:
Final Thoughts: Antonio Margarito's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of compromising integrity for success. While his early career displayed immense talent and resilience, the loaded gloves scandal irrevocably altered his trajectory and the boxing landscape.
This episode of The Dan Patrick Show provides an in-depth exploration of the Antonio Margarito scandal, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of its origins, implications, and enduring impact on the world of boxing. Through detailed narration and insightful quotes, the host paints a vivid picture of how one moment of misconduct can redefine a career and influence an entire sport.
References:
For more engaging sports analysis and insider stories, tune into The Dan Patrick Show on your preferred podcast platform.