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By Rocky Esposito: Ring Magazine “Trainer of the Year” Robert Garcia told ESNEWS in an interview yesterday that Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (35-4 / 31 KOs) has informed him that he will retire if he does not get the rematch with Floyd “Money” Mayweather. At first, Robert Garcia’s tone and demeanor in the interview seemed to be as if he was just kidding around. He even joked and said “He (Maidana) has a 100 cows, he’s already set for life”. However, when he elaborated on the topic, he switched modes and said Maidana was in fact serious.

As a Boxing fan, I enjoy watching Marcos Maidana fight. Ever since his first fight in the United States, when he upset Victor Ortiz back on 6/27/09, you knew he was a talented, action packed fighter with a ton of heart. Also, since he has teamed up with Robert Garcia, he has never looked better in his entire professional career. I even give his Strength and Conditioning Coach Alex Ariza a ton of credit. Maidana was in the best shape of his life vs Mayweather and it showed in his performance.

Marcos Maidana is only 30 years old. He is 4-1 under the tutelage of Robert Garcia. Although he did not beat Floyd, he has only gotten better and better with each performance under Garcia and all the while the opponents got tougher and tougher. Maidana also has added a legitimate jab to his arsenal now. To me, as a Boxing fan, it seems too premature for Maidana to walk away from Boxing, especially at this point of his career, just when he seems to be performing at his best. Maidana should not retire, whether he gets the Mayweather rematch or not.

Due to Boxing’s Cold War, I thought the future of the Welterweight Division would be determined by a potential match up in the near future between Keith “One Time” Thurman (23-0 / 21KOs) and Shawn “Showtime” Porter (24-0-1 / 15KOs). Currently, Thurman is 25 years old (11/23/88), and Porter is 26 (10/27/87). Maidana is just a little older at 30. However, Maidana has the edge in overall ring experience, facing adversity, and being on the biggest stages. And again, he is fighting the best of his career. Whereas Thurman and Porter, (whom I both like very much), are still trying to gain more ring experience, face better and better competition and polish their skills. (Both are on the right paths and seem to be destined for each other). But, if Maidana does not retire, he may be a very tough obstacle for these guys to hurdle. I would love to see Thurman vs Maidana, Porter vs Maidana. Good matchups!

Only time will tell if Maidana is truly serious about retiring if he does not get the Mayweather rematch. We have to keep in mind though, he did come close once, after his one-sided lose to Devon Alexander back in February of 2012. Maidana also could have made this statement simply to make sure Golden Boy & Al Haymon are applying whatever influence/pressure on Floyd that they can for finalizing a rematch. Marcos Maidana walks to the beat of his own drum. (If there is a rematch, I wonder if the gloves will be an issue!). God Bless!