Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol ? Exactly a week before the massively hyped encounter between boxing?s best Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao of the Philippines and Antonio ?Loaded Hands? Margarito of Mexico takes place, two knockout artists are set to revive one of the sport?s most storied ethnic rivalries ? Mexico versus Puerto Rico. Two-division champion Rafael Marquez (39-5-0, 35 KOs) of Mexico turns another page of his illustrious boxing career, as he challenges undefeated Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0-0, 26 KOs) of Puerto Rico at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada for the latter?s WBO featherweight belt.
$64,000 QUESTION: WILL AGE BE A MAJOR FACTOR?
Marquez, at 35 years old, will climb the ring about eight years older than his Puerto Rican counterpart. The younger brother of Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao?s fiercest rival, has logged a total of 195 boxed rounds in 44 fights despite having 39 of those bouts cut short via knockout (4 of which on the losing end), compared to Juanma?s total of 119 boxed rounds. Boxing pundits have indicated the huge age disparity as a factor that could go against Marquez. Wear-and-tear as a result of the numerous wars, particularly the four epic battles with compatriot Israel Vasquez, could have also taken their toll on the gritty Mexican. But make no mistake about it? Marquez is very much younger than his age would suggest. His inherent punching power and calculating approach poses a lot of danger for the younger and relatively less experienced Lopez. It might also be interesting to note that Lopez has had a history of having troubles disposing off of more experienced fighters. Grizzled veterans Rogers ?The Tiger? Mtagwa of Tanzania and Gerry ?Fearless? Penalosa of the Philippines both gave Lopez fits in fights that he failed to score a knockdown, albeit he won both encounters. Still, Lopez has won all his bouts with only three of his opponents not lasting the distance. Marquez, for his part, isn?t showing any signs of slowing down either. He is coming off a streak of 3rd-round knockout wins in the 126-lb limit, where the fight will take place.
WHO HAS THE UPPER HAND?
Lopez, a southpaw, will try to test his mettle against an orthodox fighter with power on both fists. Marquez will have slight disadvantages in height and reach, giving up two inches in height and half an inch in reach. The Mexican is probably years separated from his prime, whereas the Puerto Rican may still be approaching it. Though both Lopez and Marquez are going to have only their 3rd significant assignment in the featherweight ranks, the younger fighter is generally regarded as the bigger guy, considering the fact that Juanma has fought weighing at least 120 lbs throughout his professional career, whereas Rafael has had majority of his fights weighing under that.
THE BERISTAIN FORMULA AGAINST SOUTHPAWS
Nacho Beristain has honed the technical skills of the Marquez siblings. The indubitable boxing guru has also manned the brothers? respective corners in some of the more prominent and memorable bouts this sport has produced. Beristain?s experience as chief second opposite arguably the best southpaw alive in Manny Pacquiao will come in handy against a fighter of somewhat the same caliber in Lopez. The Hall of Fame coach?s knowledge and experience could prove to be a very crucial piece of the strategic puzzle in his ward?s quest to annex the featherweight division.
EXPECT A KNOCKOUT!
All things considered, this gigantic collision among featherweights is showing all indications of an inevitable knockout finish. It won?t even matter who gets his hands raised at the end of the bout. Both are masters in putting their opponents to sleep and both have shown their vulnerability as well. Lopez was decked in his last outing by Bernabe Concepcion, while Marquez has been knocked out in four of his five losses. This is actually not a bad thing and should not be seen in bad light? instead, it ought to be viewed as an important recipe for excitement. Don?t miss it and don?t blink. This historic faceoff will be nothing less than a knockout!
