Juan Manuel Marquez Admits Knee Could Prevent Return

By Miguel Rivera

Former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7, 40KOs), 41-years-old, admits that revealed injured knee has continued to bother him and the ongoing problem is potentially going to prevent him from fighting in 2015 - which in effect will lead to his retirement from the sport.

Marquez first suffered the injury prior to his win over Mike Alvarado in May. The injury continued to bother him and became worse in the coming months. The Mexican veteran had hoped to have a second fight in 2014, but when he started training the injury began to bother him and he was forced to break away from the gym.

At this point, Marquez says the "knee has not responded as expected."

"It was a good year. We had one fight but it was good. I wanted to do another fight but circumstances regarding my training, regarding [the injury to my] knee that I suffered before the fight with Mike Alvarado. But it was a good year, people went to the fight at the Inglewood Forum where I started my career in the U.S. and I feel good, satisfied," Marquez said to ESPN Deportes.

"I do not want to retire, but if the body does not allow me I will be forced into retirement. I know the fans want to see me [in the ring], but if the physical does not answer me, I'll have to leave things alone.