Marquez vs. Juan Diaz set for
Feb. 28th Edition of HBO's World Championship Boxing
December 22, 2008
(DEC 22) LOS ANGELES - Mexican icon Juan
Manuel Marquez solidified his place among boxing's elite and became
Mexico's number one fighter by knocking out Joel Casamayor and winning a
championship in a third weight class. As 2009 opens, Marquez will not be
resting on his laurels, as he accepted the challenge to face former
three-time lightweight champion Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz on Saturday,
February 28th in what promises to be an early Fight of The Year
candidate.
"This fight between Marquez and Diaz will shake the lightweight division
to its core and truly determine the best 135-pounder in the world," said
Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "As a fan, I can't
wait to see this fight."
Marquez vs. Diaz, a 12 round bout for the Ring Magazine World
Lightweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will
be televised live on HBO's World Championship Boxing beginning at 10 pm
ET / 7 pm PT.
Mexico's premier fighter and a future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel "Dinamita"
Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KO's) has signified excellence for over 15 years and
in three weight classes. A world champion at featherweight and junior
lightweight, the 35-year-old Mexico City native made an immediate impact
at 135 pounds when he won the Ring Magazine World Lightweight
Championship by becoming the first man to stop Cuban great Joel
Casamayor on September 13, 2008.
"Juan Diaz is a talented young fighter with a bright future," said
Marquez. "But this is still my time and I am not about to let Diaz take
my belt away from me."
Just nine years old when Marquez made his pro debut, 25-year old Juan
Diaz (34-1, 17 KO's) has roared through the pro ranks during his
eight-year career and built a stellar reputation as one of the fight
game's most exciting young stars. The Former Three-Time World
Lightweight Champion defended his crown seven times, beating the likes
of fellow World Champions Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz along the way.
In his last bout in September of 2008, "The Baby Bull" thrilled his
hometown fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas with a dominant 12
round decision win over Australian warrior Michael Katsidis.
"Juan Manuel is one of the greats in the game and it's an honor to fight
him, but I will be victorious on February 28th," said Diaz.
