Former two divisions world champion Rafael Marquez has never talked trash about his opponents. Soft spoken Marquez is always polite and accommodating to fans and media. Humble unassuming warrior does not even have a ring handle such as vicious or pit bull or any other crap.An old adage;” Watch out for the quiet one,” has never rang so true as in case of Rafael Marquez and his brother Juan Manuel Marquez. They are undoubtedly the badest brothers in boxing today.
Once Rafa, the peaceful warrior gets in the squared circle, breathtaking violence and blood and fierce combat are guaranteed. With single minded determination and resolve to leave it all out in the ring Marquez has earned a world wide respect and admiration from fans and media alike.
Their trilogy with Israel Vasquez has rewritten boxing history books and a brutal blood bath that transpired in the third bout is still vivid in my mind. Despite almost getting stopped in the final stanza, Marquez complained about referee calling a knockdown in the final moments of the fight and not being able to go out on his shield. Their fourth meeting in Los Angeles Staples Center this year was a let down, because it clarified that Israel Vasquez had nothing left after the trilogy.
“I’ve always taken care of myself and I think I have a lot left to give," said Marquez, 35 who is scheduled to face Puerto Rican star and a WBO feather weight champion Juan Manuel Lopez on November 6that the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas:" I think that age doesn’t matter. It’s going to be a real tough fight. I’m going to give the fans the best fight that I can and, of course, all the fans watching on SHOWTIME.”
Three to one underdog, Mexican warrior is not worried about the odds.” I have to use all of my experience and all of my power and all my intelligence in the ring to get to him,” continued Marquez (39-5,35KO) during telephone conference: “It’s a winnable fight, no question. I can win this fight. I just have to be smart enough to know what to do in there. I can’t be reckless.”
His opponent, rising Puerto Rican superstar, Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0,26KO) knows he is in for a fight of his life on November 6th.“We both have a lot to prove and we’re willing to give up everything in the ring,” said Lopez, 27: “I think we both have the power to knock each other out. As long as it lasts it’s going to be a war. “
Rafael Marquez would not have it any other way. After retiring his long time adversary Israel Vasquez he is ready to derail a young lion, Lopez.Considering a long standing rivalry and history between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters, this bout takes on extra significance.
“It’s very important being Puerto Rico versus Mexico,” concluded Marquez: “It’s probably the most important fight of my career. I haven’t fought too many Puerto Ricans at the level that I’m fighting this fight. This guy is very intelligent and he knows what he’s doing in the ring. It’s so important I don’t leave any stones unturned because I know how important this fight is. This is a very important fight. If you can’t make it to Vegas then be sure to tune in on SHOWTIME because it’s going to be a war.”
Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster or MGM grand box office.
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