Margarito Cleared for Cotto Rematch

Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito has officially received medical approval for a Dec. 3 rematch with WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, co-manager Francisco Espinoza said.

Additionally, Espinoza announced that Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs), who was sidelined with injuries stemming from last November’s loss to Manny Pacquiao, has already begun recovery training sessions.

“What was stopping us was the medical approval but he received it from the doctor and now he can move forward,” Espinoza said. “He is already in light training.”

The bout, which is tentatively scheduled to occur at Madison Square Garden, will be for Cotto’s WBA super welterweight title (154 pounds), with no option of a catch weight.

Although Margarito is currently walking around at an estimated 165 pounds, Espinoza guarantees that the weight cut will be no issue.

“We are going to have strong sparring sessions on a steady basis. And so it’s going to even out a little with Antonio’s inactivity. And win or lose going forward, he is eager to continue and he feels completely fine,” Espinoza said. “He runs like he’s in a marathon. He likes that and he’s in perfect condition.”

Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs), who has won four out of his last five bouts, lost in the first bout to Margarito on July 26, 2008 by technical knockout in the eleventh round at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We’re going out that night to win again,” Espinoza said. “It will be a great fight.”

—Alex Neely, ROUND1MAG.COM