Margarito (39-8-0, 27 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision win over Jorge Paez, Jr. last March 5. It was Margarito’s first fight after a long period of inactivity following his defeat in a rematch against Miguel Cotto in 2011.
Before the Cotto fight, Margarito obtained a clearance from his doctors to resume fighting following his loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2010 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Margarito’s left eye was severely injured during the fight which resulted in a fractured orbital bone. Margarito had to undergo a delicate eye surgery following his loss to Pacquiao.
After his rematch against Cotto in 2011, Margarito took a long layoff from boxing to undergo eye therapy after Cotto targeted his injured eye causing a severe swelling that prompted the ring physician to stop the fight.
“We’re closed very strong preparation on Saturday. In May [against Jorge Paez Jr.] we were working on explosiveness and speed. I feel much better than I was in my camp before Paez Jr. I’ll win and I’ll do my job,” Margarito said.
“Only me and Ramon will be in that ring – not his brother, nobody else in his family. We are ready for a war and the public is going to really enjoy this,” he added.
Alvarez (23-4-2, 15 KOs), is the brother of Mexican boxing superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and is the current International Boxing Federation North America Light Middleweight Champion.
Alvarez is reported to have been sparring with his brother Canelo in preparation for his fight against Margarito, who is aiming to face Canelo if he wins over Ramon on Saturday.
“My brother is very experienced, fast, strong, and what better sparring could I have. I’ve heard that Margarito is looking past me and talking about how he will fight Canelo [in the fall], but I think he should first focus on me,” Alvarez said.
The 29-year-old orthodox fighter stands 5’10” with a reach of 72″ while Margarito has a one inch advantage in height and reach.
