Antonio Margarito Fights Canelo’s Brother in Baja California

Antonio Margarito Fights Canelo’s Brother – Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito returns to the boxing ring after a near disastrous comeback against Jorge Paez Jr. a few months ago. Now he faces one of the fighting Alvarez brothers with hopes it will lead to a fight with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the mega-star of the fighting Alvarez clan.

But first things first.

Antonio Margarito Fights Canelo’s Brother

Margarito (39-8, 27 KOs) faces fellow Mexican Ramon Alvarez (23-4-2, 15 KOs), the older brother of Canelo, on Saturday Aug. 13, at Centro de Convenciones in Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico. The “Tijuana Tornado” hopes a win leads to a fight with Ramon’s redheaded sibling.

It’s not an easy fight for Margarito.

Ramon Alvarez, 30, has been unbeaten in the last four years and has faced experienced competition. Meanwhile, Margarito was floored by Paez last March in front of his hometown crowd in a fierce match with the much shorter Mexicali warrior.

Margarito, 38, showed a lot of rust after a four-year absence. Prior to that, his last fight was against Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden in December 2011. A lot of water had passed under the bridge.

The match with Paez was held at 154 pounds and this fight will be at the same weight. Against Paez, Margarito looked much weaker than his usual dynamic self. Can he improve in this second fight at 154 pounds?

With Canelo working out in San Diego, roughly 35 miles from Rosarito Beach, it’s expected he will appear at the fight to support his older brother. A win by Margarito could lead to a bout with Canelo. At least that’s the alleged hope of Top Rank which is rumored to be interested in renewing ties with Margarito. A fight between them would likely be held in Texas where Margarito is already licensed.

Most remember that the Tijuana warrior suffered a serious eye injury against Manny Pacquiao in 2010. The fight against Cotto only led to more eye damage though Margarito did look good against the Puerto Rican before the fight was suddenly stopped. Mexican fans were angered by the early stoppage but maybe it was a good thing.

Margarito has a shot at Canelo Alvarez and it’s something he truly wants. But is that a good thing? Eye injuries like his are serious matters. It’s been a long and controversial career for the former welterweight champion who was suspended for illegal hand wraps back in 2009. Even if he wins, would it be good for his health?

The Margarito-Alvarez fight will be televised by Azteca TV in Mexico. There are two 10-round co-features. In a featherweight contest, Tijuana’s Edivaldo Ortega (24-0-1, 11 KOs) opposes Emanuel Navarrete (14-1, 13 KOs) from Mexico City. A super lightweight contest pits Hermosillo’s Pedro Campa (21-0, 16 KOs) against Nicaragua’s David Bency (10-5-1, 4 KOs).

Antonio Margarito photo compliments of Ring Magazine / Crave online.

Antonio Margarito Fights Canelo’s Brother