Margarito athletic commission hearing draws a crowd

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Antonio Margarito has drawn another capacity crowd after selling out Staples Center Jan. 24 for his unsuccessful world welterweight title defense against Shane Mosley.

This time, a crowded room including boxing promoters Bob Arum, Richard Schaefer and Dan Goossen. They all packed into a state building room in Van Nuys to observe the California State Athletic Commission meeting that will determine if Margarito’s tainted hand wraps suspension will be extended.

Margarito’s hand wraps were removed before the Mosley fight for containing what state authorities later identified as a ‘foreign substance.’

Margarito, represented by attorney Daniel Petrocelli, will argue the case that he had no knowledge what was contained in his hand wraps, placed upon him by trainer Javier Capetillo, who, like Margarito, is under temporary suspension. An extended suspension could jeopardize plans for Margarito’s tentatively scheduled June 13 rematch against Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto.

We’ll have more information as it develops on Fabulous Forum and, later, on latimes.com/sports.

-- Lance Pugmire