By Ryan Burton

Mike Alvarado has faced a Murders's Row of big punchers in his past four fights. He faced Brandon Rios twice, Ruslan Provodnikov and this past Saturday he lost an unanimous decision to future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez.

Prior to Saturday's fight, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum tried to match Marquez against Provodnikov but the Mexican legend opted to face Alvarado instead. When I asked Alvarado who he would favor if a Marquez-Provodnikov showdown ever came to fruition,  Alvarado said that Marquez would be in for a very rough fight.

"Provodnikov would probably exploit that out of him," Alvarado said in reference to when he knocked Marquez down but was unable to finish him. "Provodnikov just comes at you with aggression. Marquez would have to knock him out.  I think that's the only way Marquez could beat him," he continued.

Marquez-Alvarado took place at a catch weight of 143 pounds. Alvarado said that he plans on taking a short break and that he will continue his career as a welterweight.

"I am definitely moving up. I ain't going back down to 140 no more," Alvarado told BoxingScene.com.

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