By Mark Vester
Former three-time welterweight champion Antonio Margarito is already training for a ring return. Top Rank wants to place him on the undercard to Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Texas. Margarito is nearly done with his one-year punishment for a plaster-like substance being discovered in his handwraps prior to the fight with Shane Mosley last January 24. The California State Athletic Commission revoked his license for a year last February.
Margarito’s co-manager Francisco Espinoza says it’s too early to have any solid discussions regarding his fighter’s return. He doesn’t want to jinx their hearing before the California commission that is scheduled for February. Sources have said that Margarito may go before the Texas commission to get his license and if his request is granted he wouldn't need to appear in California.
"Margarito is still suspended, so I can not confirm that any story is true. We have to submit our application to the commission to get relicensed. Nothing can be done until then. If it is granted, then we forward,” Espinoza told El Nuevo Dia. “The arbitration is in February and we’re going before them.”
Espinoza said that during his fighter’s suspension, they turned down several offers to fight outside the United States in order to avoid a future problem with the California commission. He said Margarito is training like an animal and already walking around at 160-pounds.
"We even got a $700,000 offer for a fight in Cancun, but we did not accept. I told Tony, it would be like we’re making fun of the suspension,” Espinoza said. "He’s been training like crazy. He’s in great shape and walking around at 160 pounds.”
Espinoza gave some thoughts on the recent passing of Miguel Cotto Sr. He called him a “great man.”
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