Mayweather
vs. Marquez: "set for July 18th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
May 5, 2009
LAS VEGAS (May 5, 2009) - The boxing
world received two gifts this week, not only the announcement that
six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd "Money"
Mayweather has returned to the sport, but also that he was immediately
putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous
and highly touted five-time world champion in three divisions Juan
Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ "Number One/Numero
Uno" on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,
Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm
ET / 6pm PT. Mayweather's return and the fight were announced today at a
press conference at MGM Grand.
"That's right. I'm back and you can all get ready for another chapter of
the Mayweather experience!" said Mayweather. "I told my CEO Leonard
Ellerbe from the start that I wanted to come back fighting the best
fighters out there and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the best in boxing
today."
"To be considered the best in the world, you have to fight the best, and
I have made it clear even when Mayweather was away from the sport that
he was the only man I really wanted to fight," said Marquez. "I'm happy
that he's come out of retirement and accepted my challenge.
Unfortunately for him he might be sorry he came back at all."
The summer showdown between Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO's) and Marquez
(50-4-1, 37 KO's) will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden
Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions.
"Mayweather Promotions is proud to announce the return of Floyd
Mayweather after a much needed rest," said Ellerbe. "But he is coming
back with a vengeance and clearly Marquez is a significant challenge for
his return. It is going to be an extremely competitive and exciting
fight."
"Floyd Mayweather is back and Juan Manuel Marquez is ready to fight,"
said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. "Mayweather is clearly
making a statement by accepting this challenge to fight the dangerous
Marquez in his first fight back. Having seen Floyd perform live in his
two previous fights, I know a big challenge brings out the best him.
Boxing is in for a great night on July 18th."
"Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez has the potential to be one of
boxing's all-time great fights," said Oscar De La Hoya, President of
Golden Boy Promotions. "Not only are they two boxers destined for the
Hall of Fame and two of the greatest technicians of this era, but they
also both have a warrior's spirit that comes out when they get tested. I
know that they'll push each other to the limit when they step into the
ring July 18th."
"MGM Grand is thrilled to host Floyd Mayweather's return to the ring and
welcome back the great Juan Manuel Marquez," said Richard Sturm,
President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. "We anticipate
this to be one of the hottest fights of the year and look forward to the
exciting night of boxing these two champions will deliver to the MGM
Grand Garden Arena."
"Floyd Mayweather is a special athlete and it's heartening to see him
return in such a big fight against an accomplished opponent in Juan
Manuel Marquez," said Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports. "Boxing
fans will be intrigued by this mid-summer match-up."
For these two future Hall of Famers, all that really matters is what
happens when the bell rings on Saturday, July 18 and with Mayweather's
return to the ring in a quest to reclaim his pound-for-pound title by
taking on Marquez, a man looking to add once again to his amazing
legacy, this is a true mega-fight which will determine who is the
premier boxer of this era. Source/PR
