It has been argued by some of the most respected journalists in sports that the brother tandem of Juan Manuel Marquez and Rafael Marquez is the greatest sibling coupling in the history of boxing. Some would argue that the Spinks brothers, Michael and Leon hold that distinction, but what can’t be argued is the longevity of the Marquez’s brother’s success has far out done that of the brothers Spinks. But, with Rafael losing his last fight, it is up to Juan Manuel to keep up the tradition for the surefire hall of fame combination.
It can be argued that Juan Manuel Marquez (47-3-1 35 KO’s) hasn’t lost a fight since September of 1999. With the exception of a loss in his very first fight by disqualification way back in 1993, he does have one other loss on his record to current WBA featherweight champion Chris John. Marquez traveled to John’s home country of Indonesia to challenge for that title, and seemed in control of the fight before strange circumstances seemed to turn the tide in John’s favor. The first nine rounds were fought fairly even, but it seemed Marquez was starting to pull away when all of a sudden the ref took a point away for a low blow for Marquez. Shocked, because it didn’t even seem close to a low blow, Marquez fought on, only to be deducted another point in the 11th round. Needless to say, Marquez would go on to lose a very suspicious and debatable decision, but even in the loss he didn’t lose any respect, and most people took it for what it was. Marquez has bounced back just fine, earning KO wins in two of his three fights since, and a 12 round decision victory this past March over the Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. While the wide scores of that fight turned some heads, it is generally accepted that Marquez did enough to earn the decision. Marquez’s opponent on the 15th has also fought Barrera, but has lost to him, twice.
Rocky Juarez stormed out of the gate in his early career, leading many to believe he would be one of the better smaller fighters for years to come. His powerful punching and his come forward style also added an excitement factor. Juarez’s first real test came against unheralded Zahir Raheem in front of his hometown fans in Houston, Texas. Raheem seemed to outwork Juarez throughout the majority of the fight, but much like the suspicious ending to the Marquez John fight, the same thing happened here. The referee in this instant began taking points away from Raheem for “phantom” fouls, including holding behind the head. Juarez would back bounce nicely though, winning both of his fights in two and one round knockouts. But, his first loss of his career would come against Humberto Soto, a rangy fighter, who seemed to control the action from the opening bell. Soto won by only one point on two cards, and two on the other, but some major concerns started coming out of camp Juarez after this loss. However, Juarez once again bounced back with two early round KO’s then earned a shot with Barrera. As mentioned earlier, Juarez lost both of his matches with Barrera, but in the first fight he gave it his all, losing a very close decision, perhaps winning 5 of 12 rounds. In the immediate rematch many were picking Juarez to win, but instead Juarez seemed to clam up, throwing only one or two punches few and far between. The decision was much wider this time, and many were left wondering what was wrong with Juarez. Once again though, Juarez has won two fights since then, this time a KO and a decision.
Marquez is currently about a 3 to 1 favorite. If you knew nothing about these fighters you might be prone to put your money on the underdog. Juarez is younger by seven years, and has been in far fewer tougher fights. But, if you have ever seen Juarez fight you know he has a tendency to sleepwalk through some of his fights. Marquez will make short work of Juarez if he decides to pack it in this fight. At the same time though, Juarez knows this is one of his last chances to ever been seen as a top fighter on the world stage. If he loses this one he may be left to reexamine his career choice.
MARQUEZ-JUAREZ BOXING BETTING ODDS
MARQUEZ-JUAREZ GAMBLING ODDS
No related posts.
Loading ...