What happens when the current number one pound for pound fighter in the world is running from you? You fight the former pound-for-pound king. This is exactly what Juan Manuel is doing. Juan Manueal Marquez and Floyd Mayweather are on a collision course on July 18 in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. He announced his return the same day Pacquiao completely destroyed Hatton. All he had to do was wait one day then he could have fought Pacquiao. I wish there was a possible way for Pacquiao to fight both of these guys. And prove that he is the undisputed pound-for-pound king.
After a 16 month “retirement”, the former king of boxing has returned and found that Manny Pacquiao has taken his place. Many wonder if his long lay-off has hindered his speed and skill. No matter how good you are; skills are always bound to diminish after not honing them for a long time. But expect Mayweather to pick up where he left off. He does not have any wear and tear on his body because he has not been hit by a lot of punches. His slick style, defensive prowess and occasional running ability have kept his body intact and fresh over the years.
Juan Manuel Marquez is mostly remembered by boxing fans as being able to survive three knock downs in the first round in his fight against Manny Pacquiao. He survived the first round and boxed the fight of his life. He put together the mother of all comebacks against Pacquiao. It was Pacquiao’s straight left that floored him three times in the first round. He anticipated where that thundering left hand was coming from and countered it with his own set of combinations. He managed to squeak out a draw decision.
Despite being knocked down again in his second fight with Pacquiao, many boxing experts believed Marquez did enough to win the fight. Marquez has been on a tear lately, defeating Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz to become the king of the lightweight division.
Now, here comes the tricky and debatable part. Who will win between the two top five fighters in the world? Because of the advantage of height and the fight being fought at a catch weight of 144 pounds, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. will definitely be the favorite to win this fight. If the fight was held at a lower weight, let’s say 140, Marquez would have a bigger chance of pulling off an upset.
Mayweather keeps saying he chose Marquez because JuanMa is one of the best boxers right now. Well, I have a question for Mr. Mayweather, why fight a significantly smaller opponent when Sugar Shane Mosley is available? With no disrespect to Juan Manuel Marquez, he is an exceptional fighter but he is too small to give Mayweather problems. People have even gone so far to call him the Mexican Midget.
Keep in mind, Mayweather Jr. was offered $8 million to fight Antonio Margarito. Obviously, he refused. He knew it was a high
risk fight. Even though it could be considered that it was also a high reward fight, he opted not to accept. Margarito was considered to have an iron chin before Mosley knocked out his plaster wrapped ass.
Floyd Jr. has problems fighting physically larger and aggressive fighters. When he first fought Jose Luis Castillo, he was worn down by Castillo’s physical tactics. Many boxing pundits believe he should have lost that fight. Some may mention that Ricky Hatton was also aggressive against Mayweather but Floyd Jr knocked him out. Well, take note that Hatton was uncomfortable as a welterweight and he did not have a sturdy chin. Even Peewee Herman could knock Ricky out.
The point is, Mayweather Jr. does not accept fights he knows he has a big chance of losing. He wants to protect that unblemished record. No one can blame him for that. Although highly skilled, I just wish that he puts those remarkable boxing skills to the test against someone who can competitively box him. Note to Mayweather: step up the competition.
Juan Manuel Marquez faces the best and he beats them. He has always fought as an underdog and he somehow pulls off an upset. He is a great counter puncher with average knockout power. He also has a lot of heart, as displayed by getting up three times from three knockdowns.
Despite all the skills of Marquez, he does not have the physical presence and power to bother Mayweather.
I was with some friends this past week and they kept saying, “Why did they give Mayweather a give-me match?” I told them they were all stupid because Marquez still has an itty bitty chance of pulling an upset. He did it against a taller and younger Juan Diaz and a stronger and bigger Joel Casamayor. Even Manny Pacquiao does not want to fight him. Yes, you know you’re dangerous when even the pound-for-pound king does not want to fight you.
Based on skill level, I would say Marquez’s skills are better than Mayweather’s right now. JuanMa has kept his skills honed against the best boxers in his division. Mayweather has been out of boxing for 16 months. But based on natural boxing talent, Mayweather is on a plateau of his own. So expect Mayweather Jr to be rusty for the first couple of rounds before he finally figures Marquez out.
They say fighting style make for an exciting boxing match. For example, a brawler versus a counter puncher makes for an all-action fight. This fight between Mayweather and Marquez has all implications it is gonna be a snooze fest. Both fighters are counter punchers, waiting for their opponent to make a mistake before capitalizing on it. In this fight, who’s gonna push the action? Who’s gonna play the aggressor? This match-up has “waiting game” written all over it.
My guess is Marquez will play the aggressor. He needs to establish an inside game to be effective against Mayweather. He needs make the ring smaller to neutralize Mayweather’s jab and running.
Mayweather will have to establish a jab against the smaller Marquez. Keep the “Mexican Midget” at bay and he will shut out Marquez.
Come fight night, expect Mayweather to use his reach, speed and height to overwhelm Marquez. He will land the cleaner and crisper punches.
I say Floyd Mayweather Jr by a competitive unanimous decision. Then it is on to Mayweather-Pacquiao for all the marbles.
By: Jay Jap
Edited By: BeatBookies.com
BeatBookies.com pick : Mayweather to win
Bookie: Paddy Power
Odd: 1.33
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