By Luis Sandoval
Juan Manuel Marquez will return to the ring in 2014 against former WBO Junior Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado as they will serve as the inaugural boxing fight to take place at the newly renovated Forum in Inglewood, CA. It’s the same building where Marquez started his career as he fought a total of 12 times during 1995 through 1999.
Much like Marquez, Alvarado is coming off a loss as he was defeated by Ruslan Provodnikov last October in his hometown of Denver, CO. Many fans have voiced that they would’ve wanted Marquez to face Provodnikov instead of Alvarado given the fact that Provodnikov was the victor and holds a world title.
BoxingScene caught up with Marquez and asked him why he chose Alvarado for his opponent instead of the Russian champion.
“Why don’t I want to fight with Provodnikov? He’s the champ but I’ve already been the champ at Super Lightweight. Why fight against Provodnikov [for a title I already had]? That title was mine and I don’t think [that fight] is any good for me or my career. I’m looking for my fifth title in five different divisions” said Marquez.
While the Provodnikov fight would be a tremendous matchup, Marquez is only concerned with winning a title at Welterweight. If he defeats Alvarado he would be next in line to face the winner of Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley which would also give him a chance to win the Welterweight title he covets.
His trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain expresses the same sentiment and says fans need to understand Marquez is trying to make history.
“What Juan is looking for is the Welterweight title to leave it written in the history books that he won 5 world titles. That’s his final objective. The people don’t understand that but Juan and I understand that perfectly. He wants to be a champion in five different divisions” Beristain would tell BoxingScene.
Marquez’s chance at history was ruined last year by champion Timothy Bradley as Bradley won a split decision victory in their contest. A second chance to capture a fifth title would be available to him but he must first defeat Alvarado on May 17th to earn it.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter and Instagram @Truewest007.
