Margarito Victorious in Shameful Return

Saturday, March 5th, 2016, Antonio Margarito (39-8, 27 KOs) returned to the ring against opponent Jorge Paez Jr. (39-8-2, 23 KOs) in Mexico City, MX.

Admittedly, it's hard to bash Antonio Margarito even after he was caught with loaded gloves in 2009. Prior to that he was one of my all time favorite fighters to watch. His bravado, arrogant confidence, and steel chin made him a fan favorite with many.

All that said -- Antonio Margarito's credibility was erased when he was exposed as a cheat and exiled from boxing's good graces.

After a brief suspension in 2009, the former champion's career was in steep decline. Top Rank managed to score a couple of big fights and final pay days prior to Margarito retiring as a result of his badly damaged eye (damage sustained in his fight with Manny Pacquioa).

Fast forward to 2016, Margarito's return is against above average competition. Paez Jr is a big name in the Mexican boxing circuit. His last four oppoonents have a combined record of 72-1, and Paez won two of those four fights.

Margarito wound up beating Paez on the score cards; it was an even matchup that saw Margarito taste the canvas in the sixth round. Margarito's family watched in horror as he sustained a lot of punishment and was hit cleanly time and time again.

To Margarito's defense, if this was his first fight in four plus years-- what can he do after a few more fights? Juan Marquez is also a Top Rank fighter and a matchup with Margarito could be a huge money maker. Look for Cotto III to also be an option, although I would consider it a long shot.

Now the butt of eye jokes, it's hard to take Margarito's comeback remotely serious.

Margarito's invincible persona is long gone. He never had the foot work and no longer has the power to win a title honestly. If he can beat a couple more Mexican fighters, look for Top Rank to squeeze another pay day with Magarito. I could see him showcased on a TruTV or HBO Latino card within the next year.

If Margarito continues to fight, he is clearly not listening to the advice of his loved ones, or might be in financial dire straights.

Saturday's performance was like watching the ghost of Margarito past. It was a vivide reminder why 38 year old boxers who look to exchange in a phone booth should not be announcing a comeback.

Top Rank and Mexican Boxing leagues should stop holding a carrot in front of Margarito (for his own good, and for the well-being of boxing). Don't count on this happening as we await for Arum and Top Rank to announce what is next for Margarito.