BOLD PREDICTION: JUAREZ WILL BEAT MARQUEZ
Posted on | August 17, 2007 | No Comments
JUAREZ WILL BEAT MARQUEZ
“ WHEN WE BEAT THEM, IT’LL MAKE IT THAT MUCH SWEETER”
John Martinez
Boxingrealm.com
(17Aug07) During a discussion with trainer Ronnie Shields, I asked him to handicap the upcoming WBC super featherweight championship clash between the reigning king, Juan Manual Marquez (47,3,1,35KO’s) and his charge, Rocky Juarez (27,3,0,19KO’s). Who do you think he picked?
The fight between Marquez and Juarez is intriguing because most people are not giving Juarez much of a chance to win this battle on September 15. They believe that Marquez will be equipped with a better skill set, experience, size advantage, and power. While it is true that Marquez has faced the likes of Pacquaio, Chris John, Derrick Gainer, and of course the future Hall of Famer, Marco Antonio Barrera, we mustn’t forget that Juarez still yet to be as seasoned as already faced Barrera twice in one year.
Though his record may not be as stellar as Marquez’ is, the fact that Juarez stepped up to the plate not once but twice in back-to-back meetings with such an intimidating force in the lighter weights speaks volumes. The amount of knowledge that came with squaring off against Barrera for twenty four rounds is sure to put the young featherweight at ease just a bit as he draws closer to his next assignment.
In fact, most people thought that Rocky either beat Barrera or at the very least scored a draw in their first meeting against the Mexico City powerhouse.
I asked Ronnie to assess the task that lay ahead in facing yet another powerful Mexico City foe and he said:
“ The thing about this is that I like this fight better than the Guerrero fight because Guerrero is a tall southpaw and besides that, this fight is bigger than the Guerrero fight and I know that this will make Rock get up for the fight.
You know, he realizes that the stakes are a lot higher for this fight than before simply because this is a bigger name guy (Marquez) and I’d rather have it this way anyhow. Now, he knows that he won’t just be able to go in there and walk the guy down and beat him.
This fight is a tall order and will be very intense. It will make Rocky work harder and be up for it completely.
What about the advantages that Marquez brings into the ring?
“ Well this is what I like, I know how good Rocky is. These guys don’t know how good he really is, but I do. I know that Rock is going to come out on September 15 and show them that he isn’t the same fighter he was in his last fight.
The thing about that is that he and I both knew that Rocky himself was disappointed in his last one and we both know he can and will do better. So if these guys are thinking that he’s the same guy, then they’ve got another thing coming. The great thing about it is that I love being the underdog because when we beat them, it’ll make it that much sweeter.
Right now I’m looking at four tapes and especially watching the Marquez/Barrera fight. I’m seeing a lot of mistakes that Juan is making and taking note of it and we will take advantage of them come fight time.”
The fight will be broadcast live on HBO PPV beginning at 9PM ET/PT on September 15.
john@boxingrealm.com