Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1) vs. Mike Alvarado (34-2) – My gut tells me that Marquez can stop Alvarado in the same way that he was able to stop Juan Diaz back in 2009. But then again, Alvarado is a bigger, stronger, and hungrier fighter with a lot more to prove than the 09? version of the Baby Bull. Alvarado must utilize his stiff jab and he needs to double and triple jab to set up his damaging shots. Marquez will eventually use his footwork and experience to time a single jab by slipping it and countering with a crisp right hand counter. The uglier the fight, the greater the chances become of Alvarado edging Marquez in this one. Thing that scares me for Mile High Mike is that Dinamita Marquez will see many holes for him to exploit and most of the time when he does, he makes you pay. If I am Alvarado, I make Marquez come to me. Marquez is at his best when being stalked, he loves turning the tables on the predator. But can Alvarado punch with enough force off of his back foot while in retreat? I am not so sure about that. I see this fight as being very tough for Marquez early, but by the 5th or 6th round, Marquez will begin to get into his groove and will begin to pick Alvarado apart with sharp effective straight shots. Look out for Marquez?s left hand to the body followed by a looping right over the top. I am going to take Marquez to beat Alvarado in a 8 rounds to 4 type of clash. Four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (R) of Mexico and former Jr. Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado of Denver,Co. weigh in (Marquez 141.6 lbs, Alvarado 143.3 lbs) for their upcoming 12-round welterweight battle. Promoted by Top Rank? in association with Zanfer Promotions, M?rquez Boxing and Tecate, M?rquez and Alvarado will collide at The Forum in Inglewood,Ca. on Saturday, May 17 and will be televised live on HBO?. Tickets are still available and are priced at $400, $250, $150, $100, $75 and $35. Tickets can be purchased at the Forum box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (800-745-3000), and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.fabulousforum.com. ? Photo Credit : Chris Farina ? Top Rank
