Mexico celebrated its independence from Spain on the historic date of September 16, 1810 and over the years the date has grown to become a special day of celebration especially in the world of sports and entertainment. On September 7th, East Los Angeles celebrated their 59th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade with celebrities from around the world and what better way to continue the celebration in Los Angeles than with World Lightweight Champion Joel Casamayor and former two division and three-time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez hosting their final press conference before colliding on Saturday September 13 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
“I have trained hard in the mountains of Mexico for 3 months and I’m ready,” said Marquez. “I know Casamayor is a tough fighter but I am well prepared and Saturday we’ll celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day when I win. Making weight wasn’t a problem and every pound I gain is muscle.”
Juan Manuel Marquez (48-4-1, 35KO’s) has thrilled boxing fans for almost 15 years. Marquez is remembered for his dominating decision over Marco Antonio Barrera in 2007 and his amazing series of fights with Manny Pacquiao. Marquez made it clear today he has plenty left in the tank when he fired back at Casamayor during today’s press conference, Casamayor and Marquez exchanged words but it was Casamayor who started the physical contact by putting his hand on Marquez’s forehead which was enough to upset the former champion. Gary Shaw and the Golden Boy staff immediately separated the two fighters.
The Cuban Olympic Gold Medalist and current Ring Magazine lightweight world champion Casamayor (36-3-1, 22KO’s) is remembered for his wins over Nate Campbell, Diego Corrales (twice) and Roberto Garcia. Casamayor’s only defeat coming via a highly disputed decisions against Acelino Freitas, Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo. Fights which most believe “El Cepillo” deserved to win. In his last fight in March Casamayor knocked out the previously unbeaten Australian warrior Michael Katsidis in the 10th Round.
“Marquez is stupid if he thinks he is going to beat me, he will need to stand and fight me,” proclaimed Casamayor “I am not backing up, this is my fight, I’m the champion at 135 and I’m going to pressure him so he better be ready because I am ready!!”
The co-feature bout will be the highly anticipated rematch between WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Sergio Mora and former two-division World Champion Vernon Forrest. In their first bout on June 7, 2008, Mora, the young star and winner of “The Contender” first season, achieved a life long dream by winning his first world title via a majority decision. The rematch clause was in effect which led to the rematch in which Vernon Forrest seeks redemption.
“He is a one-two fighter and if you distort that, I can’t be beat.” Said Mora.
Tickets are still available and can be purchase at any Ticket master outlet. Tickets also are available for purchase www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com
Photos by Raymond Rodriguez
i wanted Marquez and glad he won..He looked ok,Casamayor should have known it just takes one punch to end a fight!!
I was totally wrong on that, Marquez did knock him out and it was a very entertaining fight, I’m glad I was wrong!
Casamayor proved himself today that he can take a a punch and stand toe to toe with marquez, no doubt his a good fighter.
Cassamayor is a dirty boxer, every single fight I see him in he does some dirty crap. I hope he gets knock out, but I don’t think Marquez has the punching power to knock him out, it’s going to be an interesting fight I guess, but in a way this fight looks kinda boring.. I hope I’m wrong…
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