By Miguel Rivera
As a precautionary measure, the boxing commission of Mexico City has stated that former world champion Antonio Margarito will have to undergo special medical tests to prove he is fit to step into the ring. The commission is concerned with his right eye, which was injured during his decision loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2010.
Last year, Margarito met with the specialist Alan Crandall in Utah to do some tests that would allow the promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank to give him a chance to return to the ring. Arum was concerned with the eye as well. It badly swelled up during his rematch with Miguel Cotto in 2011. That was the last time Margarito fought. He announced his retirement after the fight.
The chairman of the committee, Ciro Nucci, says they are going through all of the necessary measures before Margarito returns on March 5th against Jorge 'Maromerito' Paez at the Mexico City Arena.
"They will ask for what is usually done, things that are required of any fighter who comes in [from outside Mexico], but Dr. Esteban Martos has requested that given the history of Margarito after the fight with Manny Pacquiao, the injury he had to the one eye - he needs to give him a special evaluation," Nucci said.
"We are not trying to prevent a fighter from stepping into the ring. We are here to protect the health of those in boxing. We have no other interest than to make sure everything is fine. If we do the tests and everything is fine, I do not think there will be any problem. This is only a matter of protecting the fighter."
"We have read that he already took these tests [in Utah]and passed them successfully. If all is well, he will be approved."