The 31 year-old travelled to Chihuahua for what he expected to be his defining night, but despite seemingly being on course for a career-best victory, Jones was somehow deprived as Margarito was halted on his stool.
A clear punch landed in the second round had sliced open Margarito’s problematic eye, and as Jones piled on the pressure during rounds five, six and seven, the Mexican former world champion was pulled out by a ringside doctor.
Surprisingly to those present, referee Ricardo Manjarrez had ruled the cut was down to a headbutt just one round previously and some four rounds later than expected, meaning Margarito was able to snatch victory on the scorecards despite seemingly being outfought for at least five rounds of the seven.
Reflecting on what might have been days after the result transpired, Jones was largely philosophic in his obvious anger.
“I think it was complete bulls***. I think that Margarito quit on his stool and they conveniently found some way to give him the win and screw me over. Its sad stuff really,” Jones exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Regardless of how the cut got there, it was never ruled a headbutt at all until the ref conveniently ruled it a headbutt in the last round.”
On what could be next and his potential pursuit of a rematch, Jones added: “Honestly, I don’t think it (a rematch) can accomplish anything, simply because of where it was and the politics of boxing.
“At this point I can only hope that the people see the truth and it doesn’t hurt my career – apart from an extra blemish on my record.
“I think my team is waiting to get through the drama from the weekend and go from there. A rematch is what I want for sure, but I’m not sure if I will get it,” he said.
Shockingly, Jones was offered a return to Mexico in the immediate aftermath of the Margarito decision, although wouldn’t be drawn on where or when the contest may be.
“Something was mentioned and I possibly may be fighting back in Mexico, but I won’t go too deep into it until something is firm,” concluded Jones.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
