By Miguel Rivera
Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez has issued a very stern warning to fellow four division world champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico.
Earlier this week, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions advised El Vocero that both side continued to pursue that fight for the fall.
As previously reported, the biggest issue continues to be the weight. Cotto is reportedly requesting a catch-weight of 150-pounds, which Marquez believes is way too much for him. Marquez would like to have the fight at no higher than the welterweight limit of 147-pounds.
Cotto was apparently willing to drop down a bit, to 149-pounds - and then he was willing to drop even further - to 148. Marquez is sticking to his guns. He refuses to fight at anything above the welterweight limit of 147.
"It will happen as long as Cotto makes 147 pounds. I have fought at 147 pounds with Pacquiao. He made 147 and I didn't. I came in at 143 and 144 - which also means that it is not hard for me to make weight and logic says I would be giving away advantages by coming in at 143 or 144 max, giving a three pound advantage. If Cotto makes 147 pounds, it would happen," Marquez told ESPN Deportes.
"It's very simple (we fight at 147 pounds). Cotto wanted the fight at 150 pounds, and now it seems that they want it at 148, but for me that pound is very important and a pound of making weight is crucial, because it will create more work for him. He will sacrifice more and there is no advantage for me, but it will cost him more work to get down and he will be a little diminished to make weight - but the next day he's going to recover. I know that a difference of one pound of weight can make a difference."
The Puerto Rican star has been out of the ring since last November, when he lost a twelve round unanimous decision to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
For his part, Marquez - 42-years-old - has been out of the ring since May of 2014, when he won a twelve round decision over Mike Alvarado at The Forum in Los Angeles. Marquez is considering the possibility of retirement if he's not able to secure the right fight.
Roc Nation Sports, who promote Cotto, have apparently been looking at October 8 and October 15 as potential dates for the fighter's return. Cotto has a guarantee of $15 million for his next fight, which has made it difficult to get the right opponent pinned down.
Cotto has a record of 40-5 and 33 knockouts, and Marquez is 56-7-1 and 40KO's.
