Marquez defends crown in rematch with Diaz
Mexican veteran Juan Manuel Marquez defends his lightweight title on
Saturday against American Juan Diaz in a rematch of their title slugfest
from last year that brought Marquez two titles.
Marquez knocked out Diaz in the ninth round in February of last year
to retain the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization
lightweight crowns that will again be at stake on Saturday.
"This fight is going to be better than the first one because Juan
Diaz is a great fighter and a great warrior and I am too," Marquez said.
"I like to fight. Everyone who knows me knows I like landing so many
punches. I've prepared very hard and I'm ready."
Marquez, 36, is a 3-1 betting favorite to defeat Diaz, 26, once
again.
But Diaz, 35-3 with 17 knockouts, says the time has come for Marquez,
50-5 with one drawn and 37 knockouts, to be replaced.
"It is time for the new generation to step up and reign over the
lightweight division," Diaz said. "It just makes sense that I am going
to win this fight and I am going to keep winning from now on."
Since losing to Marquez in his hometown, Diaz split two fights
against countryman Paul Malignaggi, winning a unanimous decision last
August but losing by unanimous decision four months later. LAS VEGAS,
AFP |