By Steve Kim
Manager Sergio Diaz has confirmed to BoxingScene.com that Antonio Margarito, who was last seen in the ring against Miguel Cotto in December of 2011 , will be making a comeback in the near future.
"It's not about the money, he just wants to fight again. He wants to get back in the ring," Diaz said over the weekend to BoxingScene.
As for when he might embark on the next phase of his career, Diaz stated - ''We haven't discussed when he's going to fight, where he's going to fight, who he's going to fight. First I want to speak to Todd (duBoef) and see what happens."
Diaz said he would speak with the president of Top Rank - which promoted 'the Tijuana Tornado' throughout the bulk of his career - and gauge their interest in working together again.
As for the health of his left eye, which had to be surgically repaired after facing Manny Pacquiao in 2010 and nearly derailed his bout with Cotto (after the authorities in New York raised some objections), Diaz explained:
''I took him to Utah (to see the eye specialist) just to get checked, make sure that he passed his eye exam - which he did. The eye is cleared. Then I had him train like he was going to fight, which he has been doing for the past four months."
What's not clear is if he is still under suspension with the New York State Athletic Commission.
Margarito was seen working with trainer Robert Garcia recently at his gym in Riverside.
"He's motivated to fight, I thought he'd get back in the gym and say, 'No, I can't do this again, Sergio,' that's actually what I expected, but no, he's motivated to fight again," said Diaz, who added that Margarito - who has a pro record of 38-8 (27 KO's) - stayed in relatively good physical condition.
"He's always been running, he's done some marathons but as far as putting on the gloves or stepping into a gym, that didn't happen till four months ago."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.