by James Slater – It seems Juan Manuel Marquez’s chances of winning on July 18th are even slimmer. Forget all you’ve heard and read about the Mexican great’s bout against Floyd Mayweather Junior being a catch-weight affair being fought at 143 or 144 pounds. According to Ring Online, in a news piece that went up late last night, the fight in Las Vegas will actually be fought at welterweight, with the limit, of course, being 147 pounds. Talk about an even taller order for the future Hall of Famer who goes by the nickname of “Dinamita!”
According to Ring, the returning Mayweather Junior is better than a three-and-a-half to one betting favourite. For although it remains to be seen if the 39-0(25) master will be affected by his months of inactivity when he steps into the ring at The MGM Grand in less than two month’s time, the sheer size advantage “Money” will hold has swayed the bookmakers, and they think he will certainly emerge the victor..
Marquez, however, as gutsy as they come, is undaunted about any advantages Mayweather may hold over him, and he is positive he can shock the odds and win the fight that is being hyped up right now.
Ring reports that Marquez has been training in the Toluca Mountains in his homeland, and that the 35-year-old has been adding muscle to his frame.
“We’re doing a lot of strength training,” Juan Manuel said. “Building my body, building muscle. We’re working out, believe it or not, lifting heavy rocks. We’re just trying to get my body right for this fight.”
Marquez realises what many people have been saying, pertaining to him having very little chance of winning on July 18th. But he is unconcerned.
“People have a right to say whatever they want,” Marquez said. “That’s what’s motivating me right now. I’m confident. It motivates me to shut their mouths.
“I have a great chance to be the next idol in Mexico.”
It is becoming the fighting hero of his country that perhaps motivates Marquez, the former featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight king, more than anything. The Mexican people love their boxing, and if Marquez can upset Mayweather he will be ranked right alongside any great Mexican warrior you care to mention – and he will feel proud for the rest of his life.
Yes, this news of the bout being fought at full welterweight makes the mountain an even tougher one for Marquez to climb, but it wasn’t too long ago we were all downplaying Manny Pacquiao’s chances against Oscar De La Hoya and others due to his giving away so much natural weight. Such thinking, after what the former 107-pounder was able to do against Oscar and Ricky Hatton, has been totally forgotten.
Maybe Juan Manuel Marquez is yet another fighter who is able to win against naturally bigger men and continue doing so?