By Miguel Rivera
The World Boxing Organization recently asked Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs) to vacate his 140-pound title, because the Mexican boxer will be challenging the WBO's welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley, on October 12th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Since winning the belt in his fight against Sergei Fedchenko in April 2012, Marquez has not defended it. Based on the date of his fight with Bradley, there likely won't be a defense until 2014. Marquez is taking his second consecutive fight at 147-pounds.
Mike Alvarado is the WBO's interim champion at 140 and defends that belt against Ruslan Provodnikov on October 19th.
Marquez has asked for an extension from the WBO, because he wants to make a decision after the Bradley fight is over.
"I have the fight on October 12 and after that fight I would decide on which title I plan to keep. If I win the welterweight title, then someone else could fight for the super lightweight belt. But first I must talk to the WBO to find the best solution. I will not [vacate] the title because I earned it in the ring," Marquez said.
