Boxing Updates: Latest Boxing Event

Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37KOs) is confident that he will be able to win against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39, 25KOs) in their fight at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas on September 19.

Marquez is bigger and stronger as he put on more weight and working on his technique. He definitely hits harder now than he ever did before. Reports suggest that the five-time Mexican World champion is concentrating on body work. It is quite obvious that he intends to target Mayweather’s body, specifically his injured rib.

“I know where he’s been hurt and I’m going for it,” Marquez stated. “He is vulnerable now and I will take advantage of his weakness with a body attack that emphasizes two things-the right and the left.”

Mayweather had problems in facing body punchers. When he had faced Jose Castillo in their first fight out of two, many people felt that Mayweather should have lost. Mayweather won twice against Jose Luis Castillo, but it was obvious that he had a really hard time. Anyone could say that Mayweather has a weakness in taking body shots. And, Mayweather also seem to be less youthful now than two years before, because of this, Mayweather seemed to have also lost a little speed.

Marquez is focusing on strengthening his legs, arms and shoulders, and building up endurance by training in the mountains, 13,500 feet up. He has been running hills and lifting heavy rocks as part of his training.

“The mountain is a magic place and gives me the freedom to visualize the night of the fight and how I am going to beat him,” Marquez said.

Mayweather will probably use his sharp and accurate punches to win points and probably to make Marquez bleed. If Marquez will start to fight wildly, Mayweather will just probably try to avoid the clash by blocking and dodging. But knowing both fighters as incredible counter-punchers, I feel that both fighters will just try to keep their composure and wait for the right timing to throw their power shots.

Whoever wins this fight will have a chance to face Manny Pacquiao. If Mayweather wins, there could be a Pacquiao-Mayweather, otherwise there might be a Pacquiao-Marquez 3. Either of those possibilities will still be considered a mega fight.

Bookmark:

The anticipated showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez has been rescheduled for September 19 at MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. HBO Sports’ revolutionary “24/7″ reality franchise will premiere “Mayweather-Marquez HBO 24/7″ on Saturday, August 29 (10:15 – 10:45 pm ET/PT). This HBO series will let us step into the lives of both fighters before they step into the ring.

“Mayweather-Marquez 24/7″ will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as both fighters prepare for the fight of their life. Juan Manuel Marquez, unlike Mayweather who is already making his third “24/7″ appearance, is making his HBO reality series debut.

However, from the response that I have read and have been receiving, Mayweather-Marquez probably would not make it big in the box office. There could be many spectators but not enough to call it as such as a “Mega Fight”. People are under the global recession and are wise enough to spend their hard earned cash on something that is more worthy of watching. We all know that Mayweather and Marquez are both good counterpunchers, but to watch two counterpunchers playing safe inside the ring could become very unexciting.

I think that HBO is at it again. They are trying to commercialize and sensationalize the fight so that they could get higher viewer ratings. You can expect them to generate drama for both fighters. But I cannot blame them for that, because it is their job to promote their shows. However, I will no longer let myself be fooled by this kind of marketing strategy. I would rather spend what little amount of money I have on something more stimulating or necessary.

The fact that Mayweather chose to fight a lightweight instead of a welterweight is already a big public turnoff. He could have chosen to fight Mosley, Cotto, Williams or some other welterweight. This just proves how careful Mayweather is in picking his fights.

Nevertheless, I will still be watching the fight. Hopefully, Juan Manuel Marquez beats Floyd Mayweather, Jr., upsetting and humiliating Mayweather. And then I could say that I got my money’s worth. This could probably cause so much hype in the boxing world.

Bookmark:

Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s reappearance has initiated a debate regarding the world’s number one pound-for-pound fighter. In his absence, the Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao has climbed to the top of the rankings. Following closely behind is the Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez climbing up the pound-for-pound rankings and is widely regarded as the number 2.

You can say that the Mayweather-Marquez fight would make sense, since Mayweather has been out of the ring for about 18 months. He would, rather fight the current number two instead of rushing himself straight into a mega fight with Manny Pacquiao. This will give him the boost in terms of progression. Taking down Marquez out of the list will bring him closer to regaining his most craved status: the world’s number one pound-for-pound fighter.

Mayweather obviously has the size advantage over Marquez for being the naturally bigger man. Marquez, on the other hand, has his career based between the 125-lbs and 130-lbs. His last fight at 135-lbs was only the second time that Marquez has fought above his 130-lb weight bound. Marquez has to step up two more weight divisions to meet Mayweather for the fight on July 18, which will take place at the 147-lb welterweight limit. Something that Marquez will be doing for the first time in his career.

Moreover, Mayweather will be having a speed, size and a major reach advantage over Marquez, something that might become a problem for Marquez, because of Mayweather’s defensive style of fighting. You could assume that Mayweather would be faster than his opponent, based on his past performances, not taking into consideration of his absence from the ring.

Marquez is definitely at the disadvantage against Mayweather’s speed, reach and size. However, Marquez is still a talented, brave, skilled and strong fighter, hopefully that will be enough to upset the odds of Mayweather dominating him. The best chance Marquez has is to go after Floyd in the early rounds, and hope that he can tag him while he is still trying to get back the feel of being in the ring. The other option for Marquez is to force Mayweather to make the first move, and try and draw him out of his comfort zone. Marquez hits hard, and is also an excellent counter puncher, so this may be his best outlet for victory.

This may be the last chance for the 36 year old, Juan Manuel Marquez, to cement his legacy, and with a win, he may get what he really deserves. A rematch with the Pac Man, Manny Pacquiao.

For Floyd, this is the perfect opportunity to dive straight back into the big time.

Bookmark: