Marquez defends crown after injury delay

TUCSON, Arizona – Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez defends his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown here Saturday against US veteran Rocky Juarez in a fight delayed seven weeks by a Marquez hand injury.

The 12-rounder was originally set for Sept. 15 in Las Vegas but Marquez needed time to recover from a right hand injury and complete training.

“My hand is in incredible shape. I’m ready to go,” Marquez said. “I’m healed and I’m looking forward to the fight.”

Marquez, 47-3 with one drawn and 35 knockouts, is a betting favorite over 2000 Olympic silver medalist Juarez, 27-3 with 19 knockouts and losses in three prior pro title fights.

“My dream is to become a champion and I’ll fight with all my power and strength to reach my goal,” Juarez said. “It will show when I’m face to face against Marquez.”

An undercard bout for the International Boxing Federation featherweight title sends US southpaw champion Robert Guerrero, 20-1 with one draw and 13 knockouts, against Mexican Martin Honorio, 24-3 with one draw and 12 knockouts.

But the focus will be on Marquez, who defeated compatriot Marco Antonio Barrera in March to claim the crown.

A successful title defense could set the stage for a Marquez rematch against Filipino star Manny Pacquiao. The Asian southpaw sent Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round of their 2004 bout but had to settle for a draw.

“Talks of rematches and the talk about other opponents doesn’t matter to me because I’m 100 percent focused on Rocky Juarez,” Marquez said.

“I know that the job at hand is a very tough one and I know Rocky Juarez is a tough and dangerous opponent. That’s what I’m focusing on now.”               (AFP)