By Miguel Rivera

Former world champion Antonio Margarito has denied some of the rumors that he returned to the sport of boxing due to financial issues. The 'Tijuana Tornada' is scheduled to fight on March 5th at the Mexico City Arena when he faces Jorge 'Maromerito' Paez.

Margarito, 38-years-old, has been inactive since December of 2011. He was stopped in nine rounds in his last fight by Miguel Cotto in their rematch at New York's Madison Square Garden.

The Mexican veteran believes he is still capable of hanging with some of the best fighters in the world.

He walked away from the sport after a severe injury to his right eye. He suffered a fractured orbital bone in his 2010 decision loss to Manny Pacquiao. After multiple surgeries, the eye quickly swelled up in the early rounds of his fight with Cotto and eventually led to the fight being stopped. He retired after that fight, fearing that his eye would create problems in future contests.

"It's not about money. I'm focused on showing that I still have a lot to give in boxing and I'll show why I can possibly fight for a world title. My motivation is my children. I want them to see me with the gloves on, inside the ring, to give them an example of what I can do," Margarito said to Erika Montoya.

Paez Jr. (39-7-2, 23 KOs) is not taking the fight lightly and expects Margarito to be in the best possible shape for their contest. As Margarito has recently stated, a loss to Paez would certainly signal the end of his career.

"A defeat would signal that it is time [to retire]," Margarito said.