by Osman Rodriguez
WBO junior welterweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) is fully focused on returning to the ring on July 14th at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Marquez wants to line up a southpaw opponent to prepare himself for a potential fourth meeting with Manny Pacquiao in the fall. Marquez's opponent is unknown. The main boxer under consideration is Brandon Rios, who Marquez continues to reject because Rios is not a southpaw. Marquez would feel a lot more comfortable with an opponent like Zab Judah.
Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) must first defeat Tim Bradley (28-0, 12 KOs) on June 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Marquez expects a rough fight, but feels Pacquiao will prevail.
"If Manny wants to fight with me again, I need another southpaw with Pacquiao's style. I need a southpaw," Marquez said.
"Tim Bradley will be a tough fight for Pacquiao, but Manny is the better fighter. Bradley is very physical but Manny will win."