Marquez Emerges From
the Shadow's of Great Mexican Fighters to become Boxing's New
Pound 4 Pound King
by James “Ricky” Coward
March 4, 2009
(MAR 4) Mexico has a rich tradition of
producing some of the best boxers in the sport today. Names that
immediately come to mind are Marco Antonio Barrera and of course the
great Julio Cesar Chavez. So it’s no wonder that with the exception of
some true boxing fans and critic’s, the current linear and undisputed
lightweight world champion, Juan Manuel Marquez would not be a name
immediately mentioned, that is until now....
For many in Mexico, boxing is a way of life, a means to a better
economic situation, or an escape from poverty, a road to glory. In the
life of a professional boxer, the journey begins with the hopes and
dreams of attaining the title of “World Champion”. But for the true
prize fighter, the goal moves far beyond being called a world champion,
it means earning a title that most fighters in the sport will never
receive, the title of boxing’s “Pound 4 Pound” best.
For Juan Manuel Marquez, a true prize fighter, that long, sometimes
frustrating and seemingly endless quest for “Greatness” in the sport has
finally arrived. On February 28th 2009, at the Toyota Center in Houston,
Texas, one fighters journey would take him further than he could ever
imagine. After having competed in over 55 professional fights, boxing
some 399 rounds, and knocking out one of the best lightweight boxer’s in
the world Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, the man, the true “Prize Fighter” has
emerged from the shadow of other Mexican “Greats” to earn what most in
the sport can only dream of, the coveted title of boxing’s “Pound 4
Pound” best in the world.
Congratulations to one of boxing’s best, and future Hall of Famer, the
pride of Mexico, Juan Manuel Marquez.
