05.03.04 – Dennis Principe: WORLD Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico has taken another definitive step in spoiling a proposed superfight versus Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao scheduled on May 22.The 30-year-old Marquez, holder of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) 126-lb titles, has agreed to face compatriot Guty Espadas in an all-Mexican world championship duel.
The 29-year-old Espadas is the same boxer who eked out an 11th round Technical Decision win versus legendary Filipino boxer Luisito Espinosa due to a cut on the Mexican’s eyebrow in a battle for the vacant WBC Featherweight crown on April 14, 2000 in Merida, Mexico. Espadas recently stated his intentions of fighting Marquez and get another opportunity of ruling the division, which the latter accepted.
Talks are ongoing between the camps of Marquez and Espadas to come up with a conclusive deal
Espadas, with a record of 37-6, 29 KO’s, is coming off a humiliating 3rd round knockout loss to Mexican icon Erik “El Terrible” Morales in a 12-round WBC title eliminator on October 4. 2003 in Los Angeles.
Marquez still refuses to accept Pacquiao’s challenge by insisting on getting a sizeable purse than the proposed $350,000 pay. Pacquiao is due to receive no less than one million dollars for the planned 12-round battle against Marquez.
Marquez though confirmed that negotiations are still proceeding between his manager Ignacio Beristain and promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, Inc. to thresh out disparities of their demands regarding the Pacquiao duel.
Meanwhile, the WBC champion Morales, who is also being challenged by Pacquiao after his May 22 battle, is preparing for another cutthroat bout to fortify his claim of supremacy in the 130-lb dominion.
The 27-year-old Morales, 46-1 with 34 KO’s, has stamped his approval on a projected 12-round unification match against IBF superfeatherweight king Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Morales recently seized the WBC 130-lb crown by dethroning compatriot Jesus Chavez via 12-round unanimous verdict over the weekend in Las Vegas.
The 33-year-old Hernandez (40-3-1, 24 KO’s) won the IBF tiara over David “Diamond” Santos via 8th round Technical Decision on February 1, 2003 in Las Vegas.