Floyd Mayweather Jr. ends his 21-month "retirement" on Saturday night when he faces Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Competing with the first ever UFC in Dallas, Mayweather is hoping to establish his claim to the #1 pound for pound title as well as the #1 PPV draw. It remains to be seen whether the PPV numbers Mayweather vs Oscar De la Hoya and Mayweather vs Ricky Hatton garnered were not due to his opponents.
Mayweather (39-0) will be coming back from an almost 2 year break. He retired unexpectedly, backing out of an agreed rematch with De la Hoya and forfeiting a multi-million dollar payday. Their prior bout set the record for PPVs for a boxing match. Mayweather claims that he has returned to reclaim his throne as the P4P king and because "boxing needs him." There have been reports that his ongoing battles with the IRS may play a role as well.
Marquez (51-4-1) is ranked #2 pound for pound in the world by the Ring. He has established himself as the preeminent Mexican boxer, and his punishing style has endeared him to fans. In the past, he has suffered multiple knockdowns and cuts only to comeback and will himself to victory.
"Money" Mayweather's last outing was against Hatton in December 2007. While Hatton attempted to swarm Mayweather early on and appeared to frustrate him briefly, Floyd dictated the fight. Having toyed with Hatton for several rounds, Mayweather landed a perfect check hook which sent Hatton into the corner post and onto his back. While Hatton regained his footing, Mayweather quickly knocked him out.
"Dinamita" Marquez took his belt to Juan Diaz's hometown of Houston Texas in his last fight. Before a raucous crowd, Diaz pressured Marquez from the first bell. Attempting to use his youth and power against the older Marquez, Diaz pinned Juan against the ropes on several occasions. Displaying his grit and veteran wisdom, Marquez was able to survive these early rounds and exact his revenge on the depleted "Baby Bull." After putting Diaz down with right hands towards the end of the 9th round, Marquez finished him off with an uppercut to claim victory.
The proceedings on Saturday night will have implications throughout the boxing world. Looming over this fight is the possibility of a match with the P4P king, Manny Pacquiao. Following Floyd`s exit, De la Hoya tapped Pacquiao for his replacement. Pacquiao returned the favor by sending the larger De la Hoya into retirement. Following this, Pacquiao knocked out another former Mayweather opponent when he sent Hatton into career limbo and possible retirement with one of the all time great knockouts. Mayweather has scoffed at claims of Pacquiao being the sport's king. Nonetheless, a Mayweather victory will almost surely set the stage for a superfight between him and Pacman. For Marquez'z part, he too seeks Manny but for different reasons. Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in 2004 at featherweight (125 lbs). Their rematch in 2007 at super featherweight (129lbs) was awarded a split decision to Pacquiao. Many observers has stated that Marquez could have easily been given both decisions. Following this fight, Pacquiao moved up to lightweight (135 lbs) and beyond. Marquez has followed Pacquiao up in weight, claiming the linear championship and seemingly searching for a final meeting with Pacman.
Marquez should enter the fight with a familiar game plan for Mayweather. He will attempt to go to the body to slow him down while overwhelming him with punch output. This strategy, while sound, is incredibly difficult to execute against the talented Mayweather. His shoulder roll defense is one of the best ever, with the possible exception of a young James Toney. In addition, Mayweather's speed should be more than Marquez can overcome. As with the Hatton fight, Mayweather will enjoy size and strength advantages over his opponent despite a 144lbs catchweight that would seem to favor the naturally lighter Marquez. When coupled with his speed, this makes for a seemingly one sided affair.
I predict that this fight should go the distance with Mayweather winning by decision.
Here are the latest odds
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Nickname: Money
Record: 39-0
Height: 5 ft 8 in
Reach: 72 in
Here is his last fight with Ricky Hatton
Juan Manuel Marquez
Nickname: Dinamita
Record: 51-4-1
Height: 5 ft 7 in
Reach: 67 in
Here is his last fight with Juan Diaz
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