Marquez’s Next Victim!

-Still reeling from the perfect fight executed by the now #1 lightweight in the world Juan Manuel Marquez, I have been pondering (<– did I really use that word?) who the Aztec warrior should fight next. The thirty five year old Marquez has mentioned that he is only interested in mega fights to cement his name in the pantheon of Mexican fighters and to secure the biggest paydays. Here are my top picks for who “Dinamita” should battle next in ascending order.
5. Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32KO) This fight is purely for the huge purse that it would earn both fighters, especially if the “Hitman” is able to take care of the Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd. Although I believe that Marquez has all the tools needed to defeat Hatton (speed, boxing technique, heart), Hatton’s size advantage at 140 lbs. might be enough to neutralize Marquez’s superior skill set. If Hatton can do the unexpected and beat the Pacman, this would be a great match up for the September in a great show of nationalistic pride for the U.K. and Mexico.
4. Edwin Valero (24-0, 24KO) The most inexperienced of the bunch, the Venezuelan Valero is known as a hard hitting exciting southpaw with knock out in both fists. If Valero is successful in his next bout against Antonio Pitalua on April 4th for the WBC lightweight strap, it would make it more enticing for Marquez to get in the ring with the KO artist. Although the twenty seven year old Valero might have the power and youth advantage, just like Diaz, Marquez will find a way to defeat the younger fighter with his ring intelligence and experience.
3. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25KO) Although the five divisional champion is officially retired, there are internet rumours that the former P4P champ is sparring once again in adopted hometown of Las Vegas. In his post Diaz fight interview Marquez expressed his desire to fight the undefeated Mayweather since in his eyes the current pound for pound King Pacquaio is avoiding him. Marquez has stated that if a fight with the brash Floyd is made, it would have to be at the 140 lbs. limit or at a catch weight near there. Despite Marquez being considered one of the best technical fighters of his era, Mayweather’s speed, defense and power at junior welterweight would be too much for the man from Mexico City.
2. Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36KO) The fight that Marquez really wants is against the man from the Philippines. After being dropped by Manny three times in their first encounter and battling back to a draw and then losing a close split decision early last year in the rematch, Marquez feels that he deserves the third try at toppling Manny from the top. Pacquaio has not stated if he would like to fight Marquez once again, leaving the decision to his promoter. Marquez has confirmed that he is willing to face Pacquaio in he 140 lbs. division but Pacquiao might find that the risk to face the man who has come closest to defeating him since Pacquiao reached the elite level might be too great for the reward. If Marquez can defeat a marquee name on his next outing, a la Hatton or Mayweather Jr., it just might sweeten the pot enough for the “Pacman” to take a nibble.
1. Erik Morales (48-6, 34KO) Yes, you read it right. I think that the best fight out there for Marquez as far as low rish/high reward will be Tijuana’s “Terible” Morales. Morales has stated that he wants to return the squared circle this year after he drops about 50-60 lbs. according to recent reports. If Morales is able to return in the early summer in a tune up type of fight, a blockbuster Mexican showdown can be set for the now traditional mid September weekend fight card that is always featured in Las Vegas. Marquez has always said that he lived in the shadows of both Barrera and Morales earlier in his career and this would be the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on the second part of the equation after defeating Barrera back in 2007. Who wouldn’t pay PPV money to see these two blood and guts fighters go at it for the 4-5 rounds the bout will last until Marquez’s conditioning and speed takes over?