Some have embraced the conspiracy theory I have spun around the cancellation of Juan Manuel Marquez’s first WBC super featherweight title defense against Ricardo “Rocky” Juarez due to an infected cut on the right hand. Others, well, they have not been so kind in accepting or considering my baseless theory.
Saturday afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with Marquez’s co-promoter Jaime Quintana of Romanza Boxing. As Mr. Quintana arrived in Los Angeles for discussions with Golden Boy Promotions, his promotional partner in all things Juan Manuel, I had the opportunity to get more information on Marquez’s injury.
According to Quintana, Marquez first noticed a small cut on one of the knuckles of his right hand Monday after training. Following an examination by his doctor the same day in Mexico City, Marquez was advised to keep training.
Returning to the Romanza gym and continuing his training on Tuesday, Marquez noticed that the cut looked inflamed and red during the evening hours. Juan Manuel returned to the doctor and was given a medical treatment to combat the infection and authorized to go along with his training regimen.
Come Friday, according to Quintana, Marquez returned to his doctor and the condition of the cut had not improved and ordered to halt his training and thus the fight was cancelled.
What happens from here?
“I arrived in Los Angeles and Juan Manuel will be arriving shortly,” said Quintana. “We are going to sit down and meet with Golden Boy Promotions.”
Those of you who humored my conspiracy will remember that I pin the entire theory on Marquez skipping past Juarez to face Manny Pacquiao, if the Filipino defeats Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6, for a much larger pay day. After speaking with Quintana, he is not dead set on by passing Juarez or on fighting Pacquiao next.
“We have to talk with Golden Boy,” said Quintana. “Of course we have to discuss factors such as money, television, and a location for Marquez’s next fight, but everything else aside, we will accept what Golden Boy decides in regard to Marquez’s next opponent.”
Quintana was very clear in saying that he would like for Marquez to be active and fight before any potential encounter with Manny Pacquiao.
You wanted facts Boxing Confidential readers, there they are. Now you make up your own mind regarding the legitimacy of Marquez’s cancellation of his September 15 bout.
