Antonio Margarito's retirement tour will continue, as the former welterweight world title holder will return to the ring against fellow Mexican fighter Ramon Alvarez on August 13.
The 38-year old Margarito (39-8, 27 KOS) stepped away from the ring for over four years following a TKO loss to Miguel Cotto in December 2011. He returned in March of this year to take a unanimous decision victory in Mexico City over Jorge Paez, Jr. Margarito said that he felt rusty ahead of his return fight against Paez.
Alvarez (23-4-2, 15 KO) is the older brother of Canelo Alvarez, and is on a 10-fight unbeaten streak (including one no contest). Alvarez also won the WBO NABO Super Welterweight title and the IBF North America Super Welterweight title in 2014.
?I have always wanted the fight with Margarito, and now, thanks to Fernando Beltran, it will happen,? Alvarez told ESPN ?It is an opportunity for my career, and I have no doubt that I will win. I will go out there and give everything as I always do. [Margarito] is a warrior in the ring. He?s very strong and has power, but I have faith in my talent and my preparation. Defeating Margarito will lead me to the [junior middleweight] world title and help me in achieving my dream.?
Margarito was the subject of major controversy in 2009 when he tried to fight Shane Mosley in Los Angeles, and was caught with elements of plaster of Paris in his gloves. Margarito had his licensed revoked by the California State Athletic Commission, and was subsequently sidelined for 16 months.
Margarito and Alvarez's fight will take place August 13 from the Rosarito Convention Center in Rosarito, Mexico.