By Elisinio Castillo
A few days ago, a recent photo of Marcos Maidana (35-5, 31KOs) was being circulated in the Argentinean press. The physical state of the former two division world champion raised some concern with many of his loyal fans.
Maidana has been out of the ring since losing a twelve round decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr in their September 2014 rematch.
For much of 2015, there were rumors that Maidana would return to the ring but it never happened. His trainer, Robert Garcia, was concerned with the boxer's weight gain. He fights in the welterweight division, where the limit is 147-pounds, and seems to be far above his fighting weight.
During an interview with BoxingScene.com, Garcia said it would take several months to work off Maidana's excess weight in a 'safe' manner to ensure that he retains his conditioning and power.
At one point Maidana hinted at the possibility of retirement but then denied any suggestion that he was planning to walk away from the sport.
There has been discussion of Maidana coming back at some point in 2016.
Maidana made an appearance on 91.1 radio in Santa Fe and discussed the circulating photos, the comments regarding is physical condition and how long it would take for him to get into shape.
"If I come back, I'll take some time to get myself [in good shape]. I was offered some fights, but I'm relaxed and I don't want to [take a] risk without the [proper] motivation. If I came back, I'd take five months at least, to get prepared physically. I saw the picture that is going around everywhere, but I don't care what they say because I'm enjoying this moment," Maidana said.
