Antonio Margarito, known as “Tijuana Tornado” to his fans faced the fabled Manny Pacquiao (who is a Philippine Congressman and talk show favorite) yesterday for the fight of his life and to gain the super welterweight title. He lost in terms of the fight but not in terms of financial reward.
Though Pacquiao won by unanimous decision, Margarito was guaranteed $3 million but could make up to $6 million if television sales were good and they were, thank to the millions of Latino boxing fans.
Margarito who is from Tijuana, Mexico came in the underdog in his first fight in the U.S. after being banned for using illegal gloves in 2009. Yet he has a huge following amongst Latino boxing fans here and in Mexico. Whereas Pacquiao is a legend in his native Phillipines and has become a media darling with his rags-to-riches story.
All this has added up to TV viewing parties from Las Vegas to Mexico, youTube debates, live streaming everywhere and both boxers going home financial winners.
