Exciting Boxing Card Scheduled for the WBO Convention in Panama

PANAMA CITY, Panama — The 31st WBO Convention in Panama could not be imagined without a thrilling boxing event, and that is precisely what boxing fans and convention attendees will get on October 31 at the plush Centro de Convenciones Vasco Núñez de Balboa in Hotel El Panamá in Ciudad de Panamá.

The exciting main event is the intriguing battle between unbeaten, promising, young featherweights, Jean Carlos “Chapito” Rivera (15-0, 10 KO’s) of Puerto Rico, and Jason “El Alacrancito” Sánchez (12-0, 6 KO’s) of New México for the vacant WBO World Youth Featherweight crown.

Also, in a battle of experienced world-ranked warriors, José “Páncora” Velásquez (21-6-2, 14 KO’s) of Quellón, Chile, faces tough Yenifel Vicente (33-3-2, 25 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic for the WBO Latino Super Bantamweight belt.

Moreover, unbeaten Argentina fighter “El Avión” Agustín Gauto (9-0, 5 KO’s) climbs up to the square ring to take on skilled world-ranked Nicaraguan former world-title challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-4-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Latino 108-pound strap.

In addition, unbeaten world-rated 2-time Olympian Jeyvier Cintrón (8- 0, 4 KO’s) of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, defends his WBO Latino 115-pound title against veteran Ricardo “El Matemático” Nuñez 29-8, 23 KO’s of La Chorrera, Panama, in a 10-rounder battle that promises fireworks.

Furthermore, world-ranked WBO Latino Super Featherweight champion Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1, 16 KO’s) of San Ramón, Costa Rica, makes the second defense of his Latino belt against heavy-handed challenger Yohan Vásquez (21-2, 18 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic.

2-time Olympian Jeyvier Cintrón of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, defends his WBO Latino 115-pound title against Marvin Solano of Managua, Nicaragua

EXCITING PRELIMINARY BOUTS

Moreover, two non-stop action-packed 6-rounder preliminary clashes between young Panamanian fighters are set crank up “Copa Cemento Interoceánico.”

Undefeated Jaime Valdespino (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Curundú takes on Eliécer Tenorio (2-2, 1 KO) of La 24 de Diciembre; plus, Edgardo Avila (1 -1, 1 KO) of Ciudad de Panamá squares off hard-hitting José Beitia (3-1-1, 3 KO’s) of David, Chiriquí. Winners will fight each other in the co-main event of next fight card “Box Zona 4” in Panama.

This exciting boxing event during the WBO 31st Convention is a production of Panama promotion company G&V Entertainment in association with PR Best Boxing Promotions of Puerto Rico.

Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event (Oct 31) or by contacting fulltickets.com.

Ticket prices:

Super VIP: $ 125 US Dollars
VIP Area: $ 65 US Dollars
Preferential: $ 25 US Dollars

Panamanian sponsors for this boxing show are:

Cemento Interoceánico 100% Panameño, Cable Onda Sports, Centro Comercial Los Andes Mall; Cerveza Panamá; El Siglo, El Periódico del Pueblo; RPC Radio, Telemetro Radio, Caliente 97.1; Super Q; Arrendadora Económica, No 1 en Alquiler y Venta de Autos; Ambulancia Vive and Radio Station Wao 97.5 FM Panama.

Fights Start at 7 PM.

By Carlos Costa / PhilBoxing

MÉXICO – Juan Manuel Márquez aseguró que él no está disponible para pelear con Manny Pacquiao, pero nada le encantaría más que el filipino se enfrentara en su pleito de regreso al estadounidense Terence Crawford, quien tiene lo necesario para convertirse en un auténtico dolor de cabeza.

Márquez dijo que no estaba sorprendido por el anuncio del posible regreso de Manny Pacquiao, pues cuando dijo que se retiraba en abril pasado tras derrotar a Tim Bradley no se le vio convencido, y además hay buenos retos por enfrentar en las 147 libras, donde ha estado combatiendo.

“Son muy buenos rivales, Danny García, Keith Thurman, son rivales de primer nivel, serían peleas competitivas, cerradas, pero con Terence Crawford correría un gran riesgo, sabemos de la calidad boxística de Terence Crawford, que te maneja las dos guardias, que te maneja la velocidad, tiene una pegada paralizante, tiene todo el estilo para darle una pelea competitiva”, opinó Márquez durante su participación en Golpe a Golpe de ESPN.

“Broner es difícil en cuanto a su defensiva pero lo hemos visto con rivales duros y no ha dado el ancho. Además, no pueden exigir si no ha podido ganar las peleas competitivas”, añadió el tetracampeón del mundo, quien pensó de alguna manera que el retiro del tagalo no iba a ser definitivo.

“Lo dejó entreabierto, él está comentando que quiere ayudar a la gente, pero dijo que se retiraba después de la pelea con Timothy Bradley y de alguna manera lo comentó, pero luego Bob Arum interfirió, habló de dinero y ahí es el dolor de cualquier peleador. A mí me encantaría más Crawford, es un gran rival, metería en aprietos a Pacquiao, pienso que es una pelea difícil”, destacó el ‘Dinamita’.

Cuando a Juan Manuel le preguntaron sobre si estaría disponible para una quinta pelea con el ‘Pacman’, reiteró que no había razón alguna para pensar en ello. “No yo ya no, ese tema ya se cerró, ya le gané, muchos me dicen que Pacquiao me dio la revancha cuatro veces (sic), pero fue porque él no me había ganado, si le hubiese ganado de la misma forma en que me ganó hubiera firmado la quinta pelea”, apuntó.

Márquez dijo que por el momento las negociaciones para una pelea con Miguel Cotto están detenidas, pero estará pendiente para un posible duelo en el mes de noviembre, si es que el boricua accede a combatir con él en un peso de 147 libras.

www.espn.com.mx/boxeo/nota/_/id/2731807/crawford-es-un-gran-riesgo-para-pacquiao-marquez

Se asoma una vacante en la división de las 140 libras de la OMB para ‘Dinamita’

Por Carlos Narváez-

Márquez volvería a las 140 lbs.

Photo:  Chris Farina/Top Rank –

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Anyone for Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez V?

That is the fight likely to happen in the fall after Marquez put on a clinic against Mike Alvarado and won a lopsided unanimous decision in a welterweight title elimination bout before a raucous pro-Marquez crowd of 12,090 on Saturday night. It was the first fight at the refurbished Forum, which had not hosted a boxing card since 2001.

The resounding victory, one in which Marquez did have to survive a knockdown in the ninth round, made Marquez the mandatory challenger for Pacquiao, who regained his welterweight world title by outpointing Timothy Bradley Jr. in their April 12 rematch.

The judges had it 119-109, 117-109, 117-109 for Marquez. ESPN.com also had it 117-109 for Marquez, who dropped Alvarado in the eighth round.

Making the win even sweeter for Marquez was the fact that it took place at the Forum, where, as an unknown, he cut his teeth and developed into a featherweight contender, going 12-0 with nine knockouts in the arena between 1995 and 1999.

“I said it was going to be a tough fight and I said it was going to be a difficult fight,” Marquez said. “I wanted to give the public here a gift. A gift that dignifies the history of this event and the history of the Forum.

Marquez-Alvarado punch stats

“I wanted to make this fight a gift to the fans.”

Another gift might be a fifth fight with Pacquiao. He and Marquez have already met four times in all-time great fights. Although Pacquiao leads the series 2-1-1, Marquez’s lone victory was as definitive as the others were controversial.

In their fourth fight, in December 2012, Marquez knocked Pacquiao unconscious with a right hand at the end of the sixth round for one of the most memorable knockouts in boxing history.

Although Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) lost his next fight by split decision challenging then-titleholder Bradley in October, he bounced back in a big way against Alvarado, the former junior welterweight titlist.

But he was not going to make a definitive statement about fighting Pacquiao next right after the fight.

“Finally, in that fourth [Pacquiao] fight, we obtained justice,” he said. “This fight is for all of the Mexicans that have supported me in that fourth fight and this fight was for them. [As for a fifth fight with Pacquiao], we’ll relax. I don’t know at the moment but any decision we make will be good for me, good for my family and good for the Mexican fans.

“I’m not making a decision on Pacquiao right now. I felt great in the fight and I know I did a great job, but let me see how I feel in a couple of weeks. I am not making a decision on a Pacquiao fight right away. I’m gonna rest and think about it.”

While the crowd chanted “Marquez! Marquez! Marquez!” during the first round, he was firing punches, but Alvarado started very slowly. Alvarado was barely throwing any punches in the early rounds and anything he did throw Marquez countered well.

The 40-year-old Marquez, a shoe-in Hall of Fame and one of the best fighters in Mexican history, raised swelling around Alvarado’s right eye in the third round as he continued to land hard, clean jabs.

Marquez, who earned $1.4 million, also had his right hand working well as he was aggressive with it against an Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs), 33, of Denver, who appeared confused and was either unable or unwilling to throw many punches until turning things around later in the bout.

Marquez continued to land powerful punches in the sixth round as the right side of Alvarado’s face began to become more and more swollen. There was an exciting exchange at the end of the round but Marquez clearly got the better of it. Even when Alvarado, who made $650,000, did land anything, Marquez, one of the great counter punchers in boxing history, countered him.

But the fight became more exciting in the second half even though Marquez was in control. He was having another dominating round in the eighth when he landed a huge right hand flush on Alvarado’s jaw a couple of seconds before the round ended and Alvarado went down. He beat the count and the round ended.

“It was a bad experience being in there with a legend,” Alvarado said. “I was warming up a little bit too much before I started getting off. It was on me but it was a great fight.

“I knew I needed to let my hands go to create some more shots for me. The way the fight went, he backed up and he felt the power from me so he fought a good fight.”

Moments into the ninth round, Alvarado landed a clean right that dropped Marquez, nearly silencing the crowd. But he got up, did not appear badly hurt and engaged Alvarado in an action-packed exchange that brought the crowd to life again.

“That’s the kind of fighter I am. I like wars,” Alvarado said. “That’s how he exploited me and that’s how I fight. My hat’s off to him. I thank God it was a good fight. I am happy with this opportunity and blessed that we are safe and it’s good.”

Alvarado’s left eye was also damaged and a purple mess after the ninth round and the ringside doctor gave it a good look, but the fight went on. After the 10th round, Alvarado’s corner told him he needed a knockout.

Alvarado landed a right hand near the end of the 11th round that made Marquez’s legs buckle, and he nearly went down.

“Yes, I did expect this fight,” Marquez said. “I always said that Mike Alvarado is a strong man and fast and worthy and strong, and I did expect this fight.”

Marquez’s dominance was illustrated by the CompuBox punch statistics. He landed 278 of 627 punches (44 percent) while Alvarado landed 178 of 510 blows (35 percent). More notable, Marquez landed more punches than Alvarado in 11 of the 12 rounds.

Alvarado has now lost two fights in a row. In October, in his hometown, he lost his junior welterweight belt in his first defense, getting knocked down twice by Russian brawler Ruslan Provodnikov — who was ringside Saturday — before retiring on his stool after the 10th round of a punishing fight.

“I put that [Provodnikov] fight behind me,” Alvarado said. “It was another experience and another life lesson I have gone through. It only made me stronger. This fight will only make me better. I will learn from it and use it for the rest of my career.”

One of the reasons Marquez accepted the fight with Alvarado was because it was an eliminator for a welterweight title shot. Marquez has won world titles in four weight classes from featherweight to junior welterweight and wants to be the first Mexican to win titles in five divisions. That would mean a fight with Pacquiao if Marquez wants the title shot next.

“Marquez said he would go back and consult with his team and analyze the fifth fight. That’s a pretty good statement,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who promotes Marquez and Pacquiao. “I’m fairly confident I’ll make it. Manny wants the fight. So it’s going to be up to Marquez. It really is. I think there’s a lot of money in the fight. And this was a great fight tonight.

“Mike has the guts of a lion. He stayed in there, he hurt Marquez pretty good but Marquez is Marquez. Marquez is a great fighter.”

http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/10949279/juan-manuel-marquez-earns-unanimous-decision-win-mike-alvarado-elimination-bout

By Jake Donovan –

The worst thing you can ask a fighter if you are in search of an honest answer is what he plans to do with a win in his upcoming fight. The response most often offered will be that they are focused on nothing other than the fight in front of them, and that all bets are off until the outcome is decided.

That’s why fighters have promoters and managers – so they can plan the next move. When they are in the mood, they can even talk about it as well.

So when Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado insist that the only thing that matters right now is their head-on collision on May 17, we have to respect their response. After all, both fighters are coming off of a loss – Marquez dropping a close but clear decision to Tim Bradley, while Alvarado suffered a heartbreaking stoppage defeat in a Denver homecoming versus Ruslan Provodnikov.

Needless to say, a second straight loss could prove damaging to either boxer. A win, however, immediately puts that fighter back into the title mix. Given what’s at stake in this fight, it’s a hell of a prize to claim to ignore until after the fight.

But at least their promoter is talking.

“Well, I’m not the one fighting,” quipped Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, whose Top Rank company presents this weekend’s action at The Forum in Los Angeles. “So, the first thing I did was talk to Manny Pacquiao, and he’s up to fight the winner.

“There’s nothing contractual with the winner of the two fighters on Saturday. I will offer the fight to the winner and it’s up to them to accept it or reject it.”

It’s hardly happenchance that such a fight is being offered for this weekend’s winner. In addition to promoting all three fighters, Arum secured sanctioning for the fight – which takes place at a contracted maximum weight of 144 lb. – to serve as an official title eliminator for the right to challenge for Pacquiao’s belt.

Pacquiao reclaimed his place among the best welterweights in the world with a convincing 12-round points win over Timothy Bradley Jr. last month in Las Vegas. The win avenged a highly controversial defeat suffered nearly two years prior, though the Filipino southpaw was later forced to overcome a far more damaging blow to his career when Marquez knocked him out cold in their 6th round of their Dec. ’12 war, which was honored as Fight of the Year.

Alvarado is new to the mix, having yet to fight any of the aforementioned welterweights. Marquez and Pacquiao, on the other hand, have one of the longest running rivalries in the sport’s history. Dating back to their first fight just over ten years ago, there has been little to separate the two in each of their four encounters, with the exception of Marquez’ conclusive knockout ending in their last fight.

Fans have forever disputed the outcomes of each of their previous three encounters, in which they fought to a draw, followed by two close, controversial decisions narrowly won by Pacquiao.

Marquez spent most of those years chasing one more fight with Pacquiao to settle the score, which he was finally able to do last time around. He had even reached a point in his career where he saw little reason to continue if a fifth fight with one of the two biggest superstars in the sport couldn’t be made.

Yet through it all, May 17 is all that matters if you ask the future Hall of Famer.

“All I’m thinking is first things first and that’s May 17,” Marquez (55-7-1, 40KO) insists. “After I win this Saturday, if (a 5th fight) with Pacquiao is there, it’s there. I just want to have this fight on Saturday and it goes from there.”

His opponent was a little more forthcoming in at least acknowledging what awaits the winner.

“This is a huge opportunity. We’re both coming off of losses, but this fight is going to lead to a bigger fight,” Alvarado (34-2, 23KO) said of the reward that will come with Saturday’s bout. “It means a lot to both of our careers. It helps motivate me to train that much harder, knowing that I’m in a category with the best of the world.

“I’m happy, I’m excited and I’m ready for this show to begin this weekend.”

Alvarado has every reason to be anxious to move on to his next fight. The Colorado boxer has lost two of his last three contests, with both losses coming in brutal slugfests. His first defeat – a 7th round stoppage versus Brandon Rios in their Oct. ’12 war – was avenged five months later, but fell into the same kind of trouble against Provodnikov last October.

Worse than the actual loss itself, Alvarado’s dramatic decline in the fight coupled with the manner in which the bout developed and ultimately ended raised concerns from those closest to him about his health, including requests of retirement from his loved ones. Alvarado insists such talks have no place in his career at the moment, although he took such feedback in the most uplifting manner.

“They just want to make sure I’m safe, that I’m OK. They are my number-one supporters and as long as I know they’re there for me, I’m OK.”

Being repositioned for a potential title shot despite coming off of a knockout loss let Alvarado know that he has more than just his family in his corner.

“I was surprised,” Alvarado admitted of the chance to fight in a title eliminator. “But it also tells me that Top Rank has my back. I’m ready to step up to the plate and put on a better show. I’m ready to redeem myself and put on a good show. That’s what this weekend is all about.”

As far as Marquez is concerned, this weekend is all about pleasing the fans. Entertainment comes first, with business to be discussed whenever he feels the time to be appropriate.

“This fight will be a war,” Marquez guarantees, about as far into the future as he wishes to predict. “He likes to fight. I like to fight. The people win because the people want to see this type of fight.”

Should Marquez win, the fight those same people – and millions of others – would like to see him take another run at a major title. Including the title he was practically given at 140 lb., Marquez has won belts in four weight classes and – three months shy from his 41st birthday – believes time remains on his side to add to that total.

“Obviously that’s what I want to do – make history by winning a title in five weight classes, something no other Mexican fighter has ever done,” Marquez admits.

With that in mind, how can he NOT help but look ahead of Alvarado and towards the future?

“It’s not difficult for me. I feel right now like I am fully concentrated on Mike Alvarado,” Marquez promises. “Maybe in the future I will have “the most” important fight of my career. But right now, I’m only thinking about Mike Alvarado.”

In the meantime, everyone else is thinking about what will come next.

“Manny has agreed to fight the winner,” Arum reiterates. “I will say that pretty much once we get the terms worked out, it will be a done deal.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/pacquiao-prize-awaits-marquez-alvarado-winner–77789

LONDON – Boxing star Mike Alvarado has vowed to bounce back in style by retiring Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez.

The pair meet this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation, with Denver’s Alvarado looking to impress following his punishing ten-round stoppage to WBO light-welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov in his previous outing.

The brutal defeat last October came following an impressive string of wins for the exciting Alvarado who had battled his way past a host of top names including Brandon Rios, Mauricio Herrera and Breidis Prescott.

Now, however, the 33-year-old is out to end the glittering career of four-division world champion Marquez as he aims to get back to winning ways.

“Retiring a legend is going to be huge,” said Alvarado. “I respect Marquez and his great career but now is my time. This is one of those opportunities that you cannot miss and I will give everything in the ring to get the win. It’ll be a great fight and I have to fight without any mistakes to beat Marquez.

“This is a huge step in my life to redeem myself and I know that this is only going to make me a better person, a better fighter and a better man in my life. I respect Marquez fully, he’s a legend in this game, he’s already made his mark. This is the perfect opportunity for me to redeem myself and even retire a legend,” he said.

Alvarado believes he has grown and matured since the Provodnikov bout, with the pressure of a high-profile comeback against Marquez something he will thrive on.

“When Top Rank called and offered a fight with Marquez I started jumping around – I was so excited because I have the opportunity to get into the ring and retire a Mexican legend.

“I’m great under pressure and I’m going to fight like the ‘Old Mike’ and use my power and my will to beat Marquez. I made a mistake of looking past Ruslan Provodnikov. He jumped on me and got me in a bad situation. He had such an awkward style,” said Alvarado.

“The difference against Marquez will be my power. I am going to train super hard for my biggest fight. I am very excited,” he said.

Pound-for-pound ace Manny Pacquiao impressed in his victory against Tim Bradley last month, with Alvarado aware a win over Marquez will set up some even bigger showdowns in the near future.

The 40-year-old Marquez has seen it all during his star-studded career, having shared the ring with boxing’s best Floyd Mayweather, plus an enthralling four bouts with Pacquiao.

Fighting at The Forum in Inglewood, California, where Marquez established his career, the renowned Mexican counter-puncher is sure that fireworks will be produced when the two all-action fighters go head-to-head this Saturday.

“Alvarado is a very strong fighter who always gets in the ring in great condition and never gives you a break in the ring,” said Marquez. “I need to prepare very well, Alvarado is a great challenge. I am very happy to fight in the place where I started my career.

“Alvarado likes to fight and I like to fight, and the people want to see a great fight and this will be great fight. I like these kinds of challenges. Alvarado is a tremendous fighter but I’ve trained very hard for this fight and feel like I’m just 23 years old, like when I started my career at The Forum,” he said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/mike-alvarado-retiring-legend-going-huge–77805

Los Angeles, Ca.  — (L-R)  Former Jr. Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado of Denver,Co. and four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico pose during media day in Los Angeles    for their upcoming 12-round welterweight battle.  
 Promoted by Top Rank® in association with Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing and Tecate, Márquez and Alvarado will collide at The Forum in Inglewood,Ca. on Saturday, May 17 and will be televised live on HBO®. 

http://www.boxingscene.com/photo-marquez-alvarado-side-by-side-media-day–77813

Photos: Chris Farina / Top Rank

Former Jr. Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado of Denver,Co works out in Los Angeles for his upcoming 12-round welterweight battle against four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.

Promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing and Tecate, Márquez and Alvarado will collide at The Forum in Inglewood, Ca. on Saturday, May 17 and will be televised live on HBO®.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/mike-alvarado-workout-244844

Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank –

By Miguel Maravilla –

Four-division world champion and Mexican icon Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez and former world junior welterweight champion “Mile High” Mike Alvarado hosted a news conference Wednesday announcing their 12-round welterweight rumble and the return of boxing to the Forum in Inglewood, California.

Mike Alvarado: “I want to thank Juan Manuel for the opportunity. Retiring a legend is gonna be huge!”

Juan Manuel Marquez: “I need to prepare very well because Alvarado is a strong fighter. It’s a big challenge. I’m very happy to fight in the place where I began my career. On May 17, the fans will see a great fight!”

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/alvarado-marquez-presser-quotes-239997

Photo:  Getty Images/googleimages/-

By Miguel Rivera –

Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, and Zanfer Promotions President Fernando Beltran, are discussing the possibility of a fight between Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) and Mike Alvarado, which is being targeted for May 17th at The Forum in Los Angeles, California. The co-feature would see a lightweight bout between Mikey Garcia and Yuriorkis Gamboa. Marquez lost a twelve round split decision to WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley in October, and then a week later Alvarado (34-2, 23KOs) was stopped by Ruslan Provodnikov.

“A few minutes ago I just spoke with Fernando Beltran [who handles Marquez]. Juan Manuel Marquez, maybe he will go against Mike Alvarado. And then the winner? Although not officially, [the winner] would face the winner of the rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley. This is what might happen here. We are thinking about [doing that fight] at the new Forum in Los Angeles,” Arum stated to Carlos Narvaez.

http://www.boxingscene.com/marquez-alvarado-arum-beltran-discussing-5-17–74595

By Ryan Burton –

WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov has openly campaigned for a fight against Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez ever since he picked up his title by stopping Mike Alvarado this past October.  Talks for such a fight stalled because Marquez said that he was more interested in facing Tim Bradley while Provodnikov and Bradley became finalists to be Pacquiao’s next opponent.

Pacquiao ultimately decided to face Bradley in a rematch of their controversial June 2012 fight which leaves Marquez and Provodnikov without dance partners for their next fight.  Provodnikov said that he absolutely wants to face Marquez next and went as far as to say that if the four division champion turns down the fight it is because he is scared of facing the hard charging Russian.

“I think that the Pacquiao versus Bradley rematch will be interesting but it might be very similar to their first fight.  Unless Manny decides to be more aggressive and take risks, it will be hard for him to defeat Tim Bradley on the scorecards.  I am very relieved that the fight for Manny is finally finalized.  I am glad that in my next fight I will have my trainer Freddie Roach and the rest of my team in my corner, that is very, very important to me.

“Marquez now knows that Bradley is not fighting him until maybe the end of the year, and Marquez is not getting any younger, so I know that the only possible pay-per-view fight for Marquez that will draw is against me, and if he doesn’t agree to the fight now I am sure he is just afraid of me,” Provodnikov told BoxingScene.com.

http://www.boxingscene.com/provodnikov-if-marquez-fight-me-hes-afraid–74137

By Elisinio Castillo

The future of Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) should become clearer by Chistmas Day. On Thursday and Friday, Marquez will be meeting with the president of the World Boxing Organization, Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, who will be visiting Mexico.

Marquez would like a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (31-0, 12KOs), who won a split decision over the Mexican veteran in October.

Valcarcel wants to talk to Marquez about the possibility of facing the current WBO champion at 140-pounds, Ruslan Provodnikov. Marquez has rejected the idea of a Provodnikov fight in several interviews and even threatened to retire if he doesn’t get Bradley again.

Marquez did tell his promoter, Fernando Beltran of Zanfer, that he wants to fight twice in 2014 before retiring. Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, who works with Beltran, confirmed those negotiations are ongoing.

“I spoke with Beltrán and he informed me that he is already speaking [with Marquez]. Márquez wants to do two more fights before retiring. We are going to speak before Christmas Day. We believe that a rematch can be done with Bradley and that he could also fight with Provodnikov,” Arum told Carlos Navaez.

http://www.boxingscene.com/juan-manuel-marquez-getting-closer-next-opponent–72916

By Salvador Rodriguez

Promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions has revealed that former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) is very interested in returning to action in Mexico City, and then looking for a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley in the second half of 2014. Marquez, 40-years-old, told Beltran that he wants to fight at least two more times.

Marquez last fought in Mexico City in April of 2012, when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Sergey Fedchenko to capture the WBO junior welterweight championship.

“We are in contact. He is looking for a rematch with Bradley and we are intending to do a fight in Mexico. The Mexican fans deserve the opportunity to see him. [The fight in Mexico] would happen before the rematch with Bradley. We do not have anyone specific [in mind for the opponent], but we are sure it will be a highly rated opponent,” Beltran said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=72653

LA OMB AVALARIA ESA OPCION

SAN JUAN — La Organización Mundial de Boxeo dejará en manos de Juan Manuel Márquez una posible y atractiva opción para su próxima subida al cuadrilátero.

El presidente de éste organismo, Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, dijo a ESPN que Márquez, quien conserva los privilegios de supercampeón, tendrá el derecho de retar directamente al campeón junior welter de la OMB, el ruso Ruslan Provodnikov.

Valcárcel viajará próximamente a México en donde discutirá este y otros asuntos con Márquez.

El ‘Dinamita’ viene de perder por decisión en una cerrada contienda frente al titular welter de la OMB, Timothy Bradley, el pasado mes de octubre en Las Vegas.

“Tenemos una actividad a finales de diciembre en México de nuestro programa ‘Nocáut a las Drogas’ y aprovecharé para dialogar varias cosas con Márquez, que es aún súper campeón y puede ser mandatorio en su división de las 140 libras”, comentó.

Márquez, de 40 años, y marca de 55-7-1 y 40 nocáuts, fulminó a Manny Pacquiao en diciembre de 2012 durante el cuarto encuentro entre ambos celebrado en Las Vegas.

En octubre, dejó vacante su corona de las 140 libras para ir tras el cetro welter que Bradley también le había arrebatado en el 2012 al filipino.

Pero Bradley — que venía de una guerra con Provodnikov — dejó a un lado todas las dudas que afloraron luego de su dura pelea con el ruso, al vencer por decisión dividida a Márquez.

Provodnikov, por su parte, capturó el cetro junior welter al vencer a Mike Alvarado el 19 de octubre, quien había pasado de ser campeón interino a campeón en propiedad tras el ascenso de Márquez.

“Márquez es un hombre inteligente y muy respetado. Uno de los grandes de todos los tiempos”, comentó Valcárcel. “Es un tipo tan inteligente dentro como fuera del ring. Estará en sus manos cualquier decisión. Hablaremos allá, pues somos buenos amigos”, añadió el abogado puertorriqueño.

Las opciones de Márquez están en retar a Provodnikov (23-2 y 16 KO) o una revancha con Bradley (31-0 y 12 KO).

Se ha hablado de una posible quinta pelea con Pacquiao, pero el propio ‘Dinamita’ ha dejado saber que prefiere dar por terminado sus épicos enfrentamientos con el filipino y mantener vivo el recuerdo de su gran triunfo por nocaut.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/enmanosdemarquezposiblecombatecontraprovodnikov-1657411.html

By Salvador Rodriguez –

Former four division world champion Juan Manuel Márquez gave praise to Manny Pacquiao for his comeback victory on Saturday night, when the Filipino star won a dominating twelve round unanimous decision over Brandon Rios. It Pacquiao’s first fight since getting knocked out in the sixth round of last December’s fourth bout with Marquez.

Marquez, once again, said there is no interest in a fifth fight with Pacquiao, who returns on April 12 in Las Vegas. Marquez wants a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley.

“It was important for Manny Pacquiao to look good, so they gave him an opponent like Brandon Rios for his return and he looked impressive. I believe that Bob Arum is doing his job in getting him these types of opponents, but it will be important to see him face tougher competition and see how he looks against those kind of fighters after suffering that knockout,” Marquez said.

But Marquez was not overly impressed because he felt Rios was a tailor-made opponent who had little chance of winning. Marquez says people should not get carried away with Pacquiao’s return until the fighter faces stiffer competition.

“He never gave Brandon Rios the opportunity to connect with a solid punch , so we didn’t get to see how Manny Pacquiao [would react] after that knockout,” said Marquez. “When Manny Pacquiao fights someone with speed and intelligence, someone who counters – Manny does not know what to do or what to expect. Brandon Ríos lacks speed and intelligence inside the ring. He is a fighter who just moves forward and punches. And if you do not bring speed with you, you are going to lose against him.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/marquez-not-overly-impressed-with-pacquiaos-win–72080

By Rene Umanzor –

Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) plans to pursue a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (31-0-1, 12KOs). Marquez felt he was robbed a few weeks ago when Bradley was awarded a twelve round split decision at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Marquez, 40 years-old, also felt he was robbed against Manny Pacquiao when he fought the Filipino star to a draw in 2004. He made a career mission to get revenge on Pacquiao, and that mission resulted in three more fights between the two.

Marquez says his main motivation to continue in boxing is to set the record straight against Bradley.

“I’m sad for what happened in my last fight, because I needed to win. I was more focused and stronger, but as I look to the future….what motivates me is a rematch with Bradley. Nothing else could take place if I don’t carry out this fight. I have to settle this issue with Timothy Bradley, as long as he accepts a rematch, because I want to make it clear who won on the 12th of October. Right now I’m not thinking about [other opponents], I’m more interested in making a rematch against Bradley to make it clear who is who. I already talked a bit with [trainer] Nacho [Beristain] and we feel that is the best option,” Marquez said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/juan-manuel-marquez-plans-pursue-bradley-rematch–70963

Photo by Scott Heavey, Gettyimages –

by Lem Satterfield –

WBO President Paco Valcarcel has declared unbeaten featherweight Gary Russell Jr. to be the organization’s mandatory challenger to Mexican Orlando Salido, giving Salido the next 180 days within which to defend against Russell after having won the vacant belt by seventh-round knockout over Orlando Cruz on Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

The ruling would not preclude a planned voluntary defense for Salido (40-12-2, 28 knockouts) against Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko for Jan. 25 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a possibility mentioned by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum after Lomachenko’s fourth-round stoppage of Mexican rival Jose Luis Ramirez (25-4, 15 KOs) on Saturday.

Like Salido-Cruz, Lomachenko-Ramirez happened on the undercard of Tim Bradley’s split-decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez. A 25-year-old amateur star, Lomachenko (1-0, 1 KO) was a winner of his second Olympic gold medal at the 2012 Games in London. [Editor’s note: Lomachenko took part in six World Series of Boxing semi-pro bouts that were scheduled for five rounds before officially turning pro.]

“If Salido wants to fight Lomachenko in January, then he could do it,” said Valcarcel. “Because we’re talking (about) Salido having (to) face Russell before April. In the interim, he can fight a voluntary. The mandatory would not be due until around April 12.”

A 25-year-old 2004 U.S. Olympian who is coming off a unanimous decision over Juan Ruiz in August,  Russell (23-0, 13 KOs) said he received the news of the WBO’s mandate last Wednesday.

“On Oct. 9, my team received written confirmation from the WBO that I am the mandatory challenger for their featherweight world title,” said Russell, in a prepared release. “I’m ready for my first world title fight and can not wait for the fight to get made.”

The prospect of making Salido-Russell or Russell-Lomachenko could be complicated since Arum and Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer are feuding and are aligned with rival networks, HBO and Showtime, respectively.

In addition, Russell has been promoted by Golden Boy through advisor Al Haymon, with whom Arum also has had an adversarial relationship.

Arum doesn’t believe there will be any trouble in making a fight with Russell.

“If those are the rules, then those are the rules. If the winner of Salido-Lomachenko has to fight Russell, then they’ll fight Russell. That’s no big deal,” said Arum. “If we can’t reach an agreement, then we’ll go to purse bid. That’s what it’s designed for. Golden Boy and ourselves have done a number of fights that way, after either we or they won on purse bid.”

Schaefer said the same.

“If it can’t get done, then it will have to go to purse bid,” said Schaefer. “I think that’s fantastic and I think that Gary is definitely up to the challenge.”

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/181355-russell-jr-may-be-next-if-salido-fights-lomachenko

Fotos:  Chris Farina/Top Rank/

Por Ludo Saenz L. Luaces en Ringside –

El campeón mundial welter de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), Timothy Bradley, retuvo su corona al derrotar, por decisión divida en doce asaltos, al múltiple ex campeón mundial mexicano, Juan Manuel Márquez, este sábado por la noche, en la estelar de una velada realizada en la Arena Thomas and Mack center, de Las Vegas, Nevada.

La pelea comenzó sin mayor eventualidad. Ambos se estudiaron en el centro del ring y no fue hasta después del segundo minuto, que intercambiaron un par de combinaciones.

Para el segundo, ya se calentaba las cosas. Bradley soltaba con intenciones letales, a media distancia y en corto. Márquez ripostaba con mismo, fallando en momentos, pero conectando con mucha peligrosidad. El jab casi nulo.

Los dos se pausaron en el tercero, peleando a media distancia en el centro del ring. En los intercambios, el mexicano parecía conectar mejor a la cabeza, lucia más efectivo.

El combate tomo mayor intensidad en el cuarto, cuando continuaron intercambiando desde el centro. Los golpes de Bradley llegaron mejor y Márquez seguía dando en el blanco con golpes de poder.

Por momentos, en el quinto, Bradley acortaba la distancia y conectaba con el jab, pero Márquez contragolpeaba velozmente con dos golpes, que terminaban en rectos de derecha con poder a la testa. Al final del asalto, el mexicano conecto en el tronco, Bradley retrocedió y payaseo.

Más de lo mismo en el sexto, pero con menos acción y más cautela de ambos peleadores, lo que provoco el abucheo del público en la arena.

La acción aumento en el séptimo y octavo, aunque desperdiciaban tiros al aire. Bradley utilizo más jab, redoblándolo. Márquez atacaba con reserva. Los golpes llegaban a cuentagotas.

Márquez cerró duro en el noveno, a pesar de un asalto sin mayor repercusión, cortando el ring y conectando fuertemente a la cabeza de Bradley.

El décimo y onceavo, Márquez presionaba hacia adelante y Bradley evitaba el intercambio, sin contragolpear. Hubo pocos e insignificantes momentos en donde uno u otro conectaba un buen gancho de izquierda, o una recta de derecha.

El último asalto fue sin eventos hasta los últimos segundos, cuando los dos intercambiaron furiosamente y rápidamente, cerca de una esquina blanca, en donde casi cae Márquez, quien perdió el balance, pero lo recupero antes de tocar la lona con los guantes.

Al final de una pelea sin luz, ni color, los jueces vieron ganador al campeón, con una decisión dividida de 115-113 Márquez, 115-113 Bradley y 116-112 Bradley.

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Resultado_2/Bradley_vencio_a_Marquez_sin_luz.php

Date:  Saturday, October 12, 2013

Title:  WBO Welterweight Championship

Location:  Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV

Promoter:  Top Rank/ Bob Arum

Supervisor:   Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.

Referee:  Robert Byrd

Judges:  Robert Yoyle 115-113 | Patricia Morse Jarman 116-112 | Glenn Feldman 113-115

Results:  Timothy Bradley retains the Welterweight Title by split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez.

Photo:  Chris Farina/Top Rank/
By Luis Sandoval –

The most talked about topic when it comes to Juan Manuel Marquez besides his upcoming fight with Timothy Bradley is a possible fifth fight with his arch nemesis Manny Pacquiao. After his knockout victory over Pacquiao, Marquez has been continuously asked if he would fight Pacquiao again.

During his last Los Angeles media day, Marquez was made aware that if he beat Bradley Saturday night and if Pacquiao defeated Brandon Rios in November, the demand for a fifth fight would once again be brought up.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m fighting this Saturday and Pacquiao will fight in November. I don’t know what’ll happen. I need to wait and see how things [turn out]. I think the chapter with Pacquiao is closed. I think so. The fifth fight doesn’t interest me” said Marquez.

Marquez has said that he wants to keep the memory and victory over Pacquiao intact when he walks away from the sport. Even though the Pacquiao fight would equal the biggest paycheck available to him, Marquez says there are things more important than the money.

“The money is important in life but the most important for me is honor and pride and [for] everyone to know what happened in the fourth fight. I want to keep that great moment for all my life” Marquez would tell the media surrounding him.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach had been very vocal about Marquez refusing to give Pacquiao a fifth fight as he said they gave Marquez his rematches after their victories. BoxingScene asked Marquez what his thoughts were surrounding Roach’s comments.

“I want to say something that’s the most important to me. If I won the fight with a close decision, I would give the fifth fight. I would sign the contract right after the fight. But I won [by knockout] with a great victory for me so I don’t sign the contract” Marquez would tell BoxingScene.

The stunning knockout seems to have not only definitively ended their fourth fight but also one of boxing’s best rivalries.

http://www.boxingscene.com/marquez-only-close-win-made-pacquiao-5–70414

Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank /

By Jake Donovan –

Even on the heels of a leading Fight of the Year candidate, it’s a stretch to say that the boxing world has shown as much respect to Tim Bradley as he has shown to the sport of boxing. The always-sculpted and undefeated two-division champ has fought at the sport’s highest level of competition for at least the past four years yet is still treated by the industry at large as if he has something to prove.

That won’t stop him from loving what he does. Nor will it stop him from giving respect to others where respect is due, even when those “others” are standing in the opposite corner on fight night. Chief among those Bradley holds in the highest regard is his very next opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he faces this weekend at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I have always been a fan of Márquez,” Bradley (30-0, 12KO) unapologetically admits of his legendary opponent. “I always thought he was a great fighter and I still think he’s a great fighter. I want to fight the best to be the best in this sport.  I don’t do this just to make money, of course the money is important for my family, but I do this to be the best. That’s what motivates me and drives me.”

It was that very same drive that prompted Bradley to update his passport in 2008 for two separate road trips after a career spent at home in California. A trip to Mexico proved for naught when Jose Luis Castillo added a chapter to his troubled career by missing weight for their 140 lb. title eliminator. Bradley still got his title shot, traveling to jolly old England two months later, upending Junior Witter for his first major title.

That very same drive eventually led him to sign with Top Rank, with the hope that it would lead to a showdown with Manny Pacquiao, who at the time was – along with Floyd Mayweather – the sport’s leading fighter at the box office and in the ring.

Bradley received that opportunity sooner than expected, but the result – a controversial split decision in their June ’12 encounter – proved more harm than good for his career. Even his own promoter, Bob Arum chose sides in the aftermath, condemning the judges who scored against his cash cow and vowing an investigation into a matter he believed could only be the result of corruption or ignorance.

The level of disdain was evident on Bradley’s ring ledger, which shows nine months of inactivity (including a failed attempt at a floated rematch with Lamont Peterson last December) before returning to the ring this past March.

It took for an unrealistic amount of heart shown in his 12-round war with Ruslan Provodnikov on that night to finally get the boxing world to show him the respect he has long deserved. Bradley was stunned early and decked late, spending most of the night fighting while concussed yet somehow managed to escape with a narrow points win in a bout most consider for the moment to be the best fight to have taken place in this calendar year.

Yet even in winning over the fans while continuing to win in the ring, the belief – masked as concern – is that the fight took too much out of Bradley. By giving the fans what they wanted by brawling rather than boxing, it is now suggested that he’s ripe for the taking, even against a 40-year old opponent who has endured his own ups and downs and who hasn’t fought in 10 months.

Perhaps that’s because Marquez’ last fight was one for the ages. An epic fourth encounter with Pacquiao saw the legendary Mexican – 0-2-1 and dropped four times in their previous three bouts – overcome hellacious moments to score two knockdowns, the second producing the mother of all knockouts in the 6th round of what was hailed as 2012’s Fight of the Year.

“Everybody is looking at my last fight and everybody is looking at his last fight,” Bradley suggests in dismissing the naysayers. “Everyone remembers when he knocked out Pacquiao. And everyone remembers that war with Ruslan Provodnikov. A lot of people think I am going to be wild and go down and people have to see if I still have it or not.

“Of course they are going for the veteran, the guy that knocked out Pacquiao so of course they are going to bet on him to win. I don’t mind being the underdog. I like it. I like taking people’s money and I’ll take it again. People can doubt me and doubt me and that’s OK but soon they will get sick of losing their money.”

More than anything else these days, deep into the heart of his prime, it’s that level of doubt against him that drives Bradley to strive for the top.

“People that tell me I can’t do it, I want to prove them wrong,” Bradley insists. “I am one of the best fighters in the world and if I’m not number one on your (pound-for-pound) list, I will be.  Floyd’s got a few more fights left so when I beat Márquez I will be right in there.”

From an odds perspective, Bradley doesn’t face an insurmountable task yet still enters this weekend’s headliner as the betting underdog. Marquez is roughly a 7-5 favorite in most betting circles. Pacquiao was a 4½-1 betting favorite prior to suffering a controversial loss to Bradley, one that the boxing world never seemed to forgive of the sculpted Californian.

Regardless of how fans felt and perhaps still feel, the fact remains that Bradley owns an official win over one of the very best fighters of this generation. Come Saturday night, he looks forward to duplicating and surpassing that feat against a fighter whom he believes rates even higher.

“I want to be a part of Márquez’s legacy and by me beating Márquez, that right there will make me one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world,” Bradley envisions, but not without once again paying his opponent his due props.

“Márquez is probably the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career, by far. This fight on October 12th is going to be a very tough fight and I am game for war. I know Márquez is, too.”

That said, even respect for your predecessors has its limits. For Bradley, those limits end once the opening bell sounds. Some 16 months after being accused of being aided by the judges to steal a win from one legend, the unbeaten boxer vows to leave no doubt in the event the officials try to go in the opposite direction.

“I am going to whoop his ass and the judges are going to give me the fight.  Just like the U.S. government I am going to shut down Juan Manuel Márquez on October 12th.  I am going to win the fight – that is the bottom line.  I’m not concerned about any judges or any ref.  I am going to get in there and do my job and beat Márquez. And that’s it. And the world’s going to see it.”

And, maybe at that point, finally show Tim Bradley the same respect he has shown to boxing.

http://www.boxingscene.com/tim-bradley-continues-fight-respect–70407

Los Angeles, Ca. —  Undefeated WBO World Welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm’ Bradley, and former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez, talk to reporters during a roundtable luncheon Monday about their upcoming  world championship fight on Saturday, Oct 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas,Nevada. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, Bradley vs. Márquez  will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.  Photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank.

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-marquez-bradley-meet-press-los-angeles–70360

WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley is counting down the days until his second defense of his world world title, on Saturday night against former four division champion Juan Manuel Marquez at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. HBO Pay-Per-View will televise the event.

What can we expect on Oct. 12? Why do you feel you will beat Marquez?

Marquez: Juan Manuel Márquez took this fight because I have something he wants. My world championship title belt.  I am all that stands between him and history.  He wants to become México’s first champion to win world titles in five different weight division.

He wants that and I want something else. I want to beat Márquez to heighten my legacy in boxing.  This fight is my date with destiny.

I will win and do it so well on October 12 that Márquez’s fans will become my fans.

Everyone in the world thinks of Márquez and what he did to Manny Pacquiao in their last fight.

But it was the fourth time they fought. Márquez figured him out. He finally got the big win.  Perhaps even his career-defining win.

I am a different kind of fighter. I come to win. I never think of losing, it never crosses my mind. Márquez doesn’t know what to expect from me inside the ring. Like, for  example, my quick in-ring adjustments while fighting my opponents.  Like a quarterback, I am capable of calling and executing audibles when I need to adapt to what I am seeing.

Age will indeed be a factor. This is a young man’s game. Speed kills. So does quick footwork. I am faster and quicker and he won’t be sure what direction I’ll be coming from or what I’m going to be doing.  And as I showed with Ruslan Provodnikov, I have the will to win.  I cannot lose.  I will not lose. I will never give up my belt.

I always wanted to fight Márquez.  He is a great champion, a good family man and a credit to boxing and to México. I have nothing bad to say about him.
But October 12, at Thomas & Mack, will be my night.  The end of an era for Márquez.

This is my time.

Weigh-In Live: Bradley/Marquez debuts Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Bradley vs. Marquez takes place Sat., Oct. 12 live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT

http://www.boxingscene.com/bradley-end-an-era-marquez-coming–70354

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion TIMOTHY BRADLEY Jr. and four-division world champion and Méxican icon JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUEZ, the only two fighters to beat Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao in the last seven years, will go mano a mano in nine days.

While Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., and Márquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs), of México City, enter this World Welterweight Championship fight fresh from Fight of the Year caliber performances, Márquez will also be attempting to become the first Méxican fighter to win world titles in five different weight divisions.

*************

We now bring your from Palm Springs, California, following a vigorous media workout, WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley. Timothy is 13 days away from his defense against Mexican icon Juan Manuel Márquez. Joining Timothy on today’s call is trainer Joel Diaz and manager Cameron Dunkin. We are now pleased to introduce his promoter, Hall of Fame Promoter Bob Arum.

BOB ARUM: Timothy just finished working out at his beautiful new gym in the desert and I must say he is in incredible shape and he told me if I wanted to move the fight up 12 days he would be ready to go tomorrow night and I really believe that. He is at the top of his game and as everyone that was here today could see, he is ready to give one incredible performance.

Joel, how as camp been going? We know Timothy is coming off an incredible fight against Provodnikov which, right now, is the leading candidate for Fight of the Year.. How is it coming off that to prepare for this fight?

JOEL DIAZ: Our training camp has been going really well. As you can see, this guy works extremely hard. He leaves nothing behind, pushing himself 100% in training. We worked hard on the weight, making sure it was not an issue like in the previous fight, which was a factor in that fight. But no more. Right now he is walking around at 152 at the most and wants to finish the week at 149. He is mentally and physically ready to go and looking forward to October 12th.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I want to be a part of Márquez’s legacy and by me beating Márquez, that right there will make me one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, wherever you want to place me. Márquez is probably the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career, by far. This fight on October 12th is going to be a very tough fight and I am game for war. I know Márquez is, too, I know his trainer very well and I know they are going to come out hard and try to take me out and take my title.

Joel, what does Tim need to do to counter Márquez?

JOEL DIAZ: The most important thing for Tim to do is stay very focused, follow the strategy and don’t fall into Márquez’s game. Márquez is a very experienced fighter. Don’t fall away from the plan and follow instructions and he’ll be fine.

Have you looked at the Chris John and Mayweather fights in which Márquez lost by decision and can you take anything away from those?

JOEL DIAZ: I watched the Mayweather fight and Mayweather showed me a lot going in the ring against a fighter like Juan Manuel Maárquez. Even though that fight was years ago, over time, fighters slow down a little due to age. But I focused on that fight and caught a lot of good points. I know that Márquez is still sharp and very smart. I know Márquez myself because I followed Márquez’s career. I am a big fan of Márquez and I have seen every single one of his fights. I don’t have to look at much video because I remember every single one of his fights – how he performs and what his strengths and weaknesses are. I know the type of counter-puncher he is so I really don’t have to look at much video. I already know him.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have seen every one of his fights. I know what his weaknesses are and what he likes to do. That is our job — to know these things. That’s why we wanted this fight. I wanted this fight a few years ago. I always knew I could beat Márquez, even when he went back and fought Juan Diaz I felt that I could have been in there and done a lot better. But this fight is happening now and I am going to prove to the world that I am a top fighter, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the game. I am going to beat Márquez, you heard it here first, and we’ll see what the people say after that.

Are you willing to box or do you feel a need to go toe-to-toe?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I am here to put on a show but I am also going to follow the game plan that we put together to win the fight.

Is there a concern for the judges?

JOEL DIAZ: There is always a concern. This is boxing and at the end of the day what’s going to happen is what’s going to happen. Tim is a very elusive fighter and has great speed and great footwork and if it’s up to the judges we hope they do their job and Tim is going to prove he is one of the best fighters in the world when he beats Márquez.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Man, I am going to whoop his ass and the judges are going to give me the fight. Just like the U.S. government I am going to shut down Juan Manuel Márquez on October 12th. I am going to win the fight – that is the bottom line. I’m not concerned about any judges or any ref. I am going to get in there and do my job and beat Márquez. And that’s it. And the world’s going to see it.

BOB ARUM: I just hope that we are not going to have any kind of controversy with the judges. The fighters fight and the judges pick the winner of the fight and that’s all I can ask for.

You spoke about residual effects from the Provodnikov fight on 24/7. How long did it take once you got back in the gym to feel like yourself again?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have always had positive vibes and positive energy. I knew and I told Joel Diaz that I would bounce back from it. It took me two months just to get back to normal. Going in the gym, I was out of shape, sparring, things were a little off but that was because I was out of shape. I told them ‘ once I get back into shape, don’t worry guys, everything will get better. My IQ, my speed, my defense will all come back.’ Three or four weeks ago, my trainers told me I was right. My sparring sessions got better, my defense got back, my speed was better and everything was falling into place and everything was back. I was actually doing the plan in the sparring session that Joel wanted to see and my team wanted to see and we are backing up the truck now. I am 110% going into this fight. I am not worried about getting punched or can I take a punch – I know I can take a punch and I know I’m ready to go.

Were you concerned about a lingering effect?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: No, I never felt that way because you know what happens? A lot of fighters don’t know that there is a lot of help out there for these concussions. NFL players have that help. My friends in the NFL got me the right treatment and I saw doctors out of New York, Long Beach, that could aid and assist me with therapy work. Everything is back to normal now. I feel 100% and I never worried.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Most people that have lingering effects and get multiple concussions never get help – they don’t get treatment. I’ve been getting treatment for the last five months.

Joel, tell us what it was like when he came back into camp.

JOEL DIAZ: I noticed a little bit at the beginning because his equilibrium wasn’t there. With time he was getting better. He was focusing on losing weight. He had gained quite a bit of weight. So he was losing weight too fast. He had gained a lot of weight because he was inactive. As soon as he started getting back in shape everything started to fall in place. His balance and equilibrium started to come back. As a trainer I always take that into consideration – how is he going to come back because he did get hit pretty hard? Week after week he started getting better and he was reacting really good. And he told me that once he got back into shape he was going to be reacting really good. He’s been sparring with some tough sparring partners. He’s been getting hit real hard and been reacting really good. All reactions I have seen from him are normal and his reflexes are very sharp.

Bob, were you surprised these two [Bradley and Márquez] turned down a Pacquiao fight to fight each other? For less?

BOB ARUM: Money isn’t everything. These guys aren’t fighting on October 12 for peanuts. The purses they are getting are substantial and legacy is important for both Timothy and Juan Manuel Márquez. Timothy wants Márquez’s scalp on his belt, so to speak. And Márquez wants to be the first Méxican to win five world titles in five weight divisions. Both of them indicated to me that Pacquiao could wait.

Tim, why take this fight instead of more lucrative fight with Pacquiao?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: One, going to China was a reason and, two, the money was not out-of-this-world. Márquez is 40 and on his way out and I wanted to get a shot at him. I tried three years ago to get a crack at him – to beat him – and I wanted to fight him before he left the game. This is my opportunity to do that. Coming off the Provodnikov fight, it was a hard fight, it was a great fight and it did do some adjusting to where I fit in boxing. I figured, let’s keep going towards the light and let’s face a new challenge in Márquez before he gets out, and beat him. Then maybe we can go back and revisit the dark side in Manny Pacquaio. I felt I wasn’t ready to do it again. After the Provodnikov fight I was in darkness, then I came to the light and I want to stay in the light. I want to shine and I can do that by having two guys on my resume who are by far the best fighters in the world, hall-of-famers, and if I could beat both of these guys I would be considered one of the best.

What is it about Márquez that sets him apart form the other great fighters you have faced?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Márquez has fought everybody. He has been in the ring with all the best fighters in the world. He never ducked anybody. He’s been in there with Mayweather. He fought Pacquiao four times. And there is nothing he has not seen. He is one of the best counter-punchers in the game. People struggle when they fight this guy. He either knocks them out or he wins a decision because he is a great counter-puncher. He’s that best name on my resume. I fought a lot of fighters, young and old, but they are not the caliber of Márquez.

How did you become a fan of Márquez?

JOEL DIAZ: Following his career, he has been a very exciting fighter. In boxing you like to see great fights and he has been part of the great fights. Me as a Méxican fighter we always look at the best fighters that México can produce – Julio César Chávez, Jose Luis Castillo, Erik Morales – and now we have Márquez, and I’m facing him. I have to give my fighter a strategy to beat him. And it’s an honor to create a strategy for someone that I have followed. I have a fighter that is hungry to gain that throne. It’s my job to prepare my fighter to beat him. To go in the ring with my fighter and to come out with a win I can go home and say I idolized him and now one of my fighters beat him.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have always been a fan of Márquez. I always thought he was a great fighter and I still think he’s a great fighter. I want to fight the best to be the best in this sport. I don’t do this just to make money, of course the money is important for my family, but I do this to be the best. That’s what motivates me and drives me. People that tell me I can’t do it, I want to prove them wrong. I am one of the best fighters in the world and if I’m not No. 1 on your list, I will be. Floyd’s got a few more fights left so when I beat Márquez I will be right in there.

Are you surprised, as being the champion, that Márquez is favored to win the fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: No, no , no. Everybody is looking at my last fight and everybody is looking at his last fight. Everyone remembers when he knocked out Pacquiao. And everyone remembers that war with Ruslan Provodnikov. A lot of people think I am going to be wild and go down and people have to see if I still have it or not. Of course they are going for the veteran, the guy that knocked out Pacquiao so of course they are going to bet on him to win. I don’t mind being the underdog. I like it. I like taking people’s money and I’ll take it again. People can doubt me and doubt me and that’s OK but soon they will get sick of losing their money.

Are you looking forward to the challenge of facing Nacho Beristáin in the other corner?

JOEL DIAZ: Definitely, I think that Nacho is one of the best trainers in the world. He has done so much for the sport, you could call him a legend. I am coming in with a great fighter in Timothy Bradley and he is coming in with a great fighter in Juan Manuel Márquez. We are matching wits and when Tim wins I will be very happy to have accomplished a wing against a great trainer.

Juan Manuel Márquez busted up the bags at media day, are you worried about his power?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I don’t give a damn what he did. I don’t give a damn if he busted a bag. I don’t give a damn if he trained on the moon. I don’t give a damn if he broke somebody’s jaw. That’s all irrelevant to me, man. He doesn’t know what we are doing over here. That doesn’t scare me at all.

You say Márquez will be the best fighter you ever faced. Would he still have been the best if he didn’t KO Pacquiao?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I just think that’s he’s a very intelligent fighter. It’s good to have that knockout on his resume plus the other fights with Pacquiao, and the Mayweather fight and I think he fought Morales. He fought everybody – all the best out there. So that would not have changed.

How was sparring with Matthysse?

Sparring with him really helped my confidence (coming back from Provodnikov) – we have worked together – it wasn’t electrifying in the ring. He had his moments and I had my moments. The biggest thing was it my first day back and his first day sparring after coming to the states. We did four rounds and he was a little winded so maybe he was jetlagged. I thought it was a great sparring session. I got to see his strengths and his weaknesses. He landed some good shots on me and I took his best shot. He hit me with a big left hook and I went halfway across the ring and I stopped and said ‘boy you’re strong.’

How confident are you in the testing?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Well, it is what it is. There is nothing I can do about that. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. If I don’t take this fight I don’t get paid and make money for my family. HBO, Top Rank and everybody would be pissed off if I pulled out of this fight. He’s doing the testing that Nevada is doing and that’s great. VADA is a qualified agency – they are more strict and their percentages are better also. I am a clean athlete so why not do the best testing out there. I said let’s do VADA and he didn’t want to do it. We’ve been getting randomly tested the last for weeks. They just show up – they call an hour early. He’s passed all the tests so all we can say is that he’s clean.

JOEL DIAZ: On October 12 you are going to see Bradley put on a great performance. He is going to put a beating on Márquez. I don’t think you are going to need judges. I think Márquez is going to come and put Tim to sleep like he did to Pacquiao and it’s not going to happen. Tim is a smarter fighter, more defensive and he’s going to complicate Márquez’s day. After the fifth or sixth round – Tim is going to take Márquez into the deep water and that’s when Tim is going to do his best – you don’t have to leave it up to the judges.

BOB ARUM: Between now and October 12, we have a great fight on Saturday in Orlando between Miguel Cotto against Delvin Rodriguez and a battle of undefeated lightweight contenders, Terrence Crawford against Andrey Klimov; and following that fight, episode two of 24/7 Bradley/Márquez – the first episode was terrific. Everyone is getting ready for the big showdown on October 12. At Wild Card Gym tomorrow you have your first opportunity to see Lomachenko, probably the best amateur in the history for this sport will be making his pro debut on the card. Bradley and Márquez are both training hard and it is going to be a fantastic card on October 12.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I want to give a shout out to HBO, to Top Rank to my manager Cameron Dunkin and a shout out to Márquez for taking this fight. I appreciate all of your support and to all the fans out there. I am so excited and I can’t wait for this fight. I can’t wait to get it on with this guy – one of the best fighters in the world.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, Bradley vs. Márquez will take place Saturday, October 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Boxing_News/News-1003c13.htm

Photos: Rafael Soto / Zanfer Promotions –

Four-division champion Juan Manuel Marquez works out during media day for his upcoming world championship fight against undefeated WBO World Welterweight champion Timothy “Desert Storm’ Bradley on Saturday, Oct 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas,Nevada.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, Bradley vs. Márquez will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/marquez-media-day-227729