Margarito in talks with Top Rank for possible comeback
Mexican Antonio Margarito is set to make a comeback nearly four years after his last fight in 2011, a report said.
According to BoxingScene.com, the “Tijuana Tornado” is back in the hym working with trainer Robert Garcia
Article continues after this advertisementHis co-manager Sergio Diaz reached out to Top Rank, which promoted Margarito for much of his career, for a possible return to the sport.
READ: Ex-champ Antonio Margarito retires
Margarito last fought in December 2011 in a rematch against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden.
Article continues after this advertisement“Top Rank is on board,” Diaz told BoxingScene.com. “They’re on board with Antonio coming back but they need to be assured that Antonio’s 100-percent with his (right) eye.”
Diaz added Top Rank won’t allow Margarito to fight if his right eye is not at a hundred percent.
Margarito suffered a badly-damaged eye in his 2010 fight against Manny Pacquiao which needed to be repaired surgically.
READ: Margarito feared eye injury from Pacquiao bout could end career
“If anything comes back where anything can happen, Top Rank will not move forward with it,” Diaz said. “They don’t want to do that. They say it’s not about getting Antonio in the ring and making money, it’s about being sure that he is healthy. That’s what they’re worried about.”
For his rematch against Cotto, Margarito was almost not awarded with a license to fight as the New York Athletic Commission threatened him over the condition of his eye.
READ: Cotto stops Margarito by TKO
Margarito was able to go through with the fight after extra examinations and a special hearing but the bout was stopped in the 10th round because of the damage the eye sustained in the fight.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said the 37-year-old Margarito surprised him with the comeback after the latter announced his retirement in 2012 with a 38-8 (27 knockouts) record.
“He looked in great shape so we’ll see.”