Juan Manuel Marquez reflects on 2012, talks on 2013

Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs), 39-years-old, has the world in his hands as he closes out 2012. After winning his fourth world title in April, with a twelve round decision over Sergey Fedchenko, he came back on December 8th to knock Manny Pacquiao out in the sixth round of their fourth match. He became the WBO’s “Fighter of The Decade” and the win over Pacquiao gave him numerous “Fight of The Year” and Knockout of The Year” honors.

“[I’m leaving this year with] the satisfaction of two great fights. First, I returned to fight in Mexico City, in the Mexico City Arena, which was a success. The place was full, I got my fourth divisional title by winning the junior welterweight crown of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and I did that in front of my people and in my city. That’s gave me pride. Then, on the 8th of December, I had the biggest fight of my life,” Marquez said.

“It was against a great fighter, a great character, I’m talking about Pacquiao. I demonstrated who was the best in this fight and our previous meetings where I had been robbed. I won as I should have, with a knockout, and that was the only way to do it.”

As far as the upcoming year, Marquez will not specify if he plans to continue his career. A final decision has not been made. His wife wants him to retire, but Juan Manuel is doing his best to change her mind – at least for one or two more fights.

“I want to enjoy my family [in 2013], to be with them, to give them the time that they deserve, and especially to have good health, because without it very little can be done. In professional matters, I do not know yet if I will hang up my gloves or if I plan to do one or two more fights…I do not know, honestly. I will sit down to discuss this, as I’ve said, with my family, and together we’ll see what is next,” Marquez said.

Por Ernesto Castellanos

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=60985#ixzz2Gctn8NmL