I was lucky enough to attend these fights in person. What I saw was a rare occurence: an exciting undercard followed by an even better main event.
I hope Floyd was watching too:
"Saturday night is fight night in Bayou City. Houston`s own Juan Diaz brings HBO coverage to town for his challenge of Juan Manuel Marquez for the Ring Lightweight Championship. This is the legitimate championship at 135 pounds, and several alphabet belts will be on the line as well. Nate Campbell vacated the three belts he won from Diaz when he failed to make weight in his recent fight. Marquez (49-4-1) is widely considered to be the best technical boxer in the sport and No.2 overall behind Manny Pacquiao. In his first fight at lightweight, he beat the champ Joel Casamayor soundly, stopping him in the 11th. Juan Diaz (34-1) will be fighting his second fight in a row at home. In his last outing, he won a split decision over tough Michael Katsidis for the IBO belt. Marquez is possibly the most popular fighter today among Mexican fight fans. Many of the reported sold out 15,000 are evidently traveling from across the border. Coupled with his brother Rafael`s classic trilogy with Israel Vasquez at super bantamweight (122), the Marquez`s brothers are occupying the mantle left by recently suspended Antonio Margarito. Despite Marquez`s popularity. Diaz should benefit from the hometown crowd`s energy. Currently a junior of the University of Houston, he has discussed attending law school and eventually running for mayor. At 10 years younger, he should be the aggressor throughout the fight. Expect him to put forth his normal high volume of punches and rely on his youth and energy to try and dictate the action in the late rounds. Marquez`s ring generalship and defensive genius should allow him to neutralize much of Diaz`s physical advantages. His prowess at counter punching should protect him from Diaz`s attempts to turn the fight into a brawl. Given the likelihood of this fight going the distance, the issue of the hometown decision must be raised. Marquez has experienced the sting of a questionable decision, losing to P4P king Pacquiao in a rematch many thought he won. victory. That being said, I expect Marquez to win a close decision in a competitive fight. Also on the card, featherweight champ Chris John makes his American debut against another Houston native, Rocky Juarez. John (42-0-1) travels from Indonesia to defend his title at 126 in a hostile environment. Juarez (28-4) has lost in his previous 4 title shots, so expect him to make the most what will likely be his last chance. "
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