The last we saw of Mexican boxing legend Juan Manuel Marquez, he was dominating journeyman Mike Alvarado in a lopsided unanimous decision.
That was over a year ago, in May 2014. The 41-year-old has been out of commission since then with a troublesome right knee injury. Marquez’s absence has led to widespread speculation that we may have seen the last of the rugged counterpuncher in the ring.
But as it turns out, Marquez might not be finished just yet.
According to longtime trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, the four-division world champion could be fighting for a title again as soon as this September.
“I could see [Marquez coming back] in September,” Beristain told BoxingScene.com.
“He looks forward to working in the gym. We have a singular joy whenever he steps in the gym. He works very hard.”
As for who Marquez’s opponent might be, Beristain remained uncertain.
“I don’t know the opponent. I think a world title fight, a title in his fifth division, would be something he’d like. Maybe the British fighter [Kell Brook] or one of the other champions.”
Fighting for a fifth world title might be an intriguing proposal for Marquez, particularly if current WBO welterweight title holder Floyd Mayweather Jr. is forced to vacate.
A Marquez-Kell Brook fight would definitely generate a lot of interest as an new-school/old-school, offensive/defensive clash of styles. But Brook is undefeated at 35-0 and might not want to risk a future shot at the big-time against a formidable opponent in Marquez.
Marquez could be similarly apprehensive as he would likely have to move up in weight class to 147 pounds in order to make the fight happen. He has a career record of 1-3 at that weight, though the one victory was his vicious one-punch KO of Manny Pacquiao in 2012.
JMM’s classic style of precision and power counterpunching is a lost art in today’s era. It will certainly be nice to see him get in the ring for another hurrah, no matter the opponent.
H/T Sky Sports
