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Houston, TX – Yes, Wall Street and the Dow Jones are teetering on 12-year lows. California?s unemployment rate exceeds 10 percent. America?s gross domestic product shrank in the last quarter ? as much as the equivalence of eliminating an entire small nation?s GDP off the map entirely. The country?s mortgage and credit crises linger.
The referenced facts registered not one bit. It was an exceptional night this Saturday evening, February 28, 2008. An unusually windy and chilly night around 40 degrees Fahrenheit deterred not the excitement as cars lined outside the arena, and fight followers marched in droves to their domed prize fighting temple. Their ?Houston boys? were representing the city and the great state of Texas. An Indonesia and a Mexican had arrived looking to retain or win a world championship belt.
The nearly freezing temperatures that swirled outside contrasted the heated exchanges, blows, and blood flying across the ring ? and outside of it ? on boxing?s center stage. With HBO live, boxing fans ? normal citizens in daily life ? were hungry for a hard fight and displays of courage. The warriors gave it all they had.
In Houston, Texas, the world?s energy capital, crude hovered at over $40 a barrel. On Saturday, Houston became the energy capital for a different reason: boxing. Electricity was in the air, its currency swirling around the Toyota Center as sports fans buzzed around the relatively new facility. People, who were all in anticipation, found their way to their seats.
Marquez vs. Diaz
Given this was the night?s main event, the already excited crowd became even louder as Marquez Diaz rolled along. This time, however, fans in the arena were evenly split between Marquez supporters and Diaz followers. Juan Manuel Marquez, the Ring Magazine world lightweight champion, sought to cement his stature as an elite top three pound for pound fighter. Houston native Juan Diaz, the IBO world lightweight champion, sought to bring pride to his city, and to enter the ranks as one of boxing?s stars.
The first half
Upon entrances from both fighters, Marquez looked very loose and upbeat. He was ready. Diaz, on the other hand, looked very serious and intent. These were telling. Both attitudes, in retrospect, seem appropriate precursors given how the fight transpired.
As soon as the bell rang, the Baby Bull attacked with might, backing up the elder Marquez. The master was getting pressured as the crowd chanted ?Diaz, Diaz, Diaz!? The Mexican was focused on creating space for himself. As the counter puncher, he needed room. But he needed that space just to get away from the raging bull. Diaz?s forward energy and slower reflexes translated into accurate counters from Marquez. Diaz?s sheer volume of jabs an hooks, however, successfully rattles Marquez on the ropes ? sweat flies off the Mexican?s head courtesy of the bull?s blows. Marquez? superior hand speed helps him succeed in powerful counters. But early on, his inability to get away causes trouble for the aged fighter. After two rounds, Diaz wins both rounds. The cheers are deafening.
Rounds 3 and 4 see a more managed Marquez ? he has recovered from the blitzkrieg. Both are trading an unbelievable amount of punches. Marquez?s counters often momentarily stops Diaz on his tracks. Diaz is focusing upstairs. Marquez the sniper takes what Diaz gives. Thus, Marquez delivers blows to the head or body at any given moment ? wherever the opportunity is, he hits there. The bull?s energy and size allows him to press forward and pressure Marquez, connecting on power hits on occasion, but the Mexican?s faster hand speed (which is nonetheless packed with pop) allows him to throw combinations. Diaz is emotional. He is the passionate fighter. Marquez is being rushed, but the cerebral and experienced of the two maintains his calm and cool despite the adversity.
Tied 2 ? 2.
Marquez has a small cut near the right eye but it does not appear serious. It appears to be on the outside and the red streak is not impairing his view. Still, the sight of blood provided the impression that Diaz is successfully bullying the cerebral and quick tactician. Marquez?s head bobbles backward as he leans against the ropes. His resilient, quick, and power-packed counters connect on Diaz, who still does not appear to be hampered by the Mexican?s collective blows. Marquez?s speed allows him to land more connects. Contrast that with Diaz?s power punches and flush blows that (appear to) stagger Marquez from time to time. Somewhat close rounds, but I scored in favor of the bull. Diaz 4 ? 2.
The second half
It is apparent that Marquez can land accurate, clean, and powerful counters on Diaz. These punches come from multiple and unpredictable angles. The bull has been on the loose for the duration of the fight. Finally, the master comes out. High quantity volume counters are creating more space between the fighters. The increasingly tagged Diaz slows down his forward movement. There is slight hesitation in his body language. Diaz is a clean fighter. It would have taken a dirty fighter to keep Marquez pressured and constantly on the ropes. The clenching skills and strength of a Sugar Shane Mosley would have done the trick. This is a critical area of improvement for the 25 year old. Marquez?s comeback has turned confidence into a brazen expedition for more opportunities. The punches are becoming more solid. Blood on Diaz?s right eye. The shark in Marquez comes out. The cut is serious, more blood is flowing, and Diaz is having second thoughts as he stares at his opponent. Momentum Marquez, Diaz is staggered and hurt. The Mexican?s investment in body blows is paying dividends. The bull is slowing and limping as Marquez remains patient and calm.
Round 9. The cumulative punishment Diaz has taken effects a hesitant fighter. Marquez sees doubt in Diaz?s eyes. The two continue to exchange blows but Diaz is clearly bothered and pained in the right eye. 1st knockdown. Unbelievable. Just a few rounds earlier, Diaz was in command of his slightly smaller foe. 2nd knockdown. Spectacular. Stunning. Emphatic. Marquez victorious. The master remains a master.
