Antonio Margarito vs. Ramon Alvarez: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

Antonio Margarito's comeback venture begins its second chapter on Saturday, when the former world champion takes on Ramon Alvarez in a 10-round, super welterweight bout at the Centro De Convenciones in Rosarito, Mexico.

Margarito, 38, returned to the squared circle in March, defeating Jorge Paez Jr. by a close unanimous decision despite suffering a knockdown in the sixth round. It was his first fight in just over four years, his last time out a loss by retirement to Miguel Cotto after he developed severe swelling around his right eye late in the match. 

Alvarez, the older brother of Canelo, is a journeyman boxer with a strong record and is undefeated in his last 10 bouts. Though Margarito is mostly a shell of his former self, it's a strong opportunity for Alvarez to score a win over a name opponent. 

Here's the viewing info for Saturday's scrap.

Antonio Margarito vs. Ramon Alvarez Fight Info

When: Saturday, August 13, at 11 p.m. ET

Where: Centro De Convenciones in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico

TV: beIN Sports, beIN Sports Espanol

Live Stream: beIN Sports Connect (subscription required)

Preview

Margarito		Alvarez
39-8-0, 27 KOs	Record	23-4-2, 15 KOs
56%	KO Percentage	50%
287	Rounds	181
38	Age	30
5'11"	Height	5'8"
73"	Reach	68"
Orthodox	Stance	Orthodox

The massive damage Margarito's eye took against Cotto generated controversy even back then, as Margarito had needed surgery and a year off from the ring after suffering major injuries to the orbital bone in a brutal loss to Manny Pacquiao in November 2010. 

Writing for RingTV.com in 2011, Dr. Margaret Goodman detailed the danger of Margarito's injuries: 

"

Each of Margarito’s eye problems can cause blindness. And the type of treatment he received in many ways placed him at more risk — not less!

I contacted several renowned ophthalmologists, including Dr. Jack Dodick, professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at New York University and Philadelphia retinal specialist Dr. Alexander J. Brucker regarding Antonio Margarito’s documented medical history. After learning of Margarito’s conditions and treatment, not one specialist believed he should be allowed to fight.

"

It's several years on from that bout, but one still has to have concern for Margarito's long-term vision health, to say nothing of the extra pounding his brain is taking by continuing to train, spar and fight opponents, looking to secure a notable win over a former welterweight and super welterweight world champion. 

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

After seeing his fight against Paez, Bleacher Report's Kevin McRae lost faith in the Margarito-comeback storyline: 

"

Margarito is still capable of putting on an entertaining slugfest when matched with the right fighter, but his struggles with Paez (a C-level journeyman) show that his comeback is doomed the minute he stares across the ring at a decent opponent.

That this was a competitive fight serves as a serious chance to pause for those of us (honestly, like yours truly) who had serious hopes for a Margarito comeback.

"

Margarito insists he will be sharper for this bout against Alvarez, one that is also likely to provide a good bit of action.

"I felt a little rusty before the Paez fight after being out for so long, but now we are on pace," he said, per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael. "I like the fight against Ramon Alvarez, and the styles will provide an exciting fight for the fans. I'm happy. Ramon and me will be in the ring fighting, and nobody else will be able to help him or me."

Alvarez presents a much stiffer challenge than Paez. Per BoxRec, Alvarez ranks 35th among super welterweights, while Paez is just 112th. In his 10-bout undefeated streak, Alvarez has racked up three knockouts and five technical knockouts.

Alvarez represents a calculated step up in competition, as Margarito sees him as a gatekeeper to a potential superfight with Canelo. Even if he gets past Alvarez—by no means a guarantee—a fight with Canelo would likely prove disastrous, and it's difficult to imagine it materializing. 

As seen in the tale of the tape above, Alvarez gives up plenty to Margarito in height and reach, so he could find it difficult to get close to the Tijuana Tornado. Of course, from a purely strategical perspective, Alvarez has an obvious and easy target in that right eye. There's no telling how well Margarito's eye will hold up.

Reflexes slowed by age and ring rust should leave Margarito vulnerable to quicker flurries from Alvarez, who is eight years his junior.

Margarito has incredible heart, know-how and strength, but one has to wonder if his body might betray him on Saturday night. If the lightly regarded Paez can at least knock down Margarito, then Alvarez, who appears to have marginally more power, can perhaps end his night early. Look for Alvarez to win via a late stoppage.

Prediction: Alvarez via late-round TKO