With Texas license, Margarito secures Pacquiao bout

AUSTIN – Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito's application for a boxing license in Texas was approved Thursday, paving the way for clash with Manny Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received an application from Margarito on Monday and decided Thursday to grant his request.

Margarito had been denied a license to fight in California.

"After a thorough review of his application it was determined Mr. Margarito met the requirements of the Texas Combative Sports Act and Rules," Executive Director William Kuntz said in a statement posted on the Texas governing body's website.

"Based on the review of the above information, I have authorized the issuance of a license to Mr. Margarito."

Margarito is expected to face Filipino pound-for-pound king Pacquiao for a junior middleweight title on November 13.

Margarito hasn't fought in the United States since January 2009, when a plaster-like substance was found in his hand wrapping prior to a fight against Shane Mosley in Los Angeles.

Margarito's license along with that of his former trainer, Javier Capetillo, was revoked for at least one year by the California State Athletic Commission, a decision that was upheld by other states.

Margarito denied knowing anything about the illegal hand wraps, but he stayed out of the ring for more than a year.

On May 8 he cruised to a junior middleweight victory over Roberto Garcia in Mexico.