With A Possible Pacquiao Rematch On The Horizon
Is Marquez' Focus On Juarez?
By:/Por: Sal Acevedo Jr.
Photoby:/Foto Por: HoganPhotos.com
Issue/Edicion: Online Article - October/Octubre
When Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera fought Ricardo “Rocky” Juarez in their rematch, he was fully prepared and mentally in control of himself. He turned what had been a difficult struggle the first fight into a more easily controlled environment. Barrera won a decision by a solid margin by displaying superior boxing skills.
Many expect WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico City, can do much of the same if he doesn’t make the mistake of looking past the tough Juarez when they meet November 3 at the Desert Diamond Casino in Arizona.
Whether Marquez (47-3-1, 35KO) will be able to remove distracting rumors of a rematch with Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao from his head will be seen on fight night.
Juarez, from Houston, Texas, doesn’t think his experienced opponent will make that error and expects his opponent to be at his best inside the ring.
"I don't think he's overlooking me," Juarez said. "To be world champion you have to stay in the gym and not overlook anyone. He was at my first fight with Barrera. Having fought him himself he knows Barrera is a tough fighter and that I gave him a hell of a fight. He knows Barrera chose to box the second time."
Juarez (27-3, 19KO) was referring to Marquez’ last bout, a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Marco Antonio last March in which he earned the WBC strap. Indeed, Marquez is well aware of Juarez’ power and claims he will not take his opponent lightly.
"I know this is a tough fight.” Marquez said. “I'm not worried or scared but he is a hard puncher who has been looking for a title for a long time. Now he's looking to come for my title.”
Marquez being the oldest featherweight who holds a title in the division undoubtedly has the advantage in experience. On the other hand, Juarez is younger, and after losing on three previous world title challenges, may be the hungrier fighter.
On this same night, one of the most exciting young fighters in the sport today, two-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (20-1-1, 13KO) of Gilroy, California will defend his IBF featherweight crown against tough challenger Martin “Brochas” Honorio (24-3-1, 12KO).
Guerrero, a dangerous two-fisted boxer-puncher won the title with an impressive ninth round TKO over Denmark’s Spend Abazzi in Februrary. He earned his first championship title with an eighth round TKO victory over Eric Aiken in September 2006.
Ranked #5 by the IBF, Honorio has waited a long time for his shot at a world title. Unbeaten in his last seven fights, the Mexico City native is a hungry contender waiting for his time on the spotlight.
This attractive night of boxing is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Romanza Productions, and will air live on Showtime Championship Boxing.
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