By Mark Vester

Juan Manuel Marquez received a hero's welcome once he arrived in Mexico, crowded by friends and family, who celebrated last Saturday's knockout win of Juan Diaz in Houston, Texas. Marquez received three stitches on his right eyelid from a cut that he sustained in the fight. He says the fight with Diaz was tough, but he was able to win with God on his side and brought home the WBO/WBA lightweight titles.

"It was a fight that I could not lose. In my case, I've always counted on my physical preparation, and also being mentally ready.  For each battle I prepare myself mentally with the mindset that I am going to win, and study the ways to conquer [my opponent].  Something that gives me strength is that I entrust myself to God. In his hands I put my desire to win and also my integrity, because in boxing we all pray to him, even for my health," Marquez told ESTO.

"I have four defeats on my record, but out of those four I am convinced that they were all robberies. I am talking about my pro debut, as well as the fights with Freddie Norwood, Chris John and Manny Pacquiao. In general, the press has said that I did not lose those fights."

Marquez is ready to rest and take a vacation with his family. He plans to sit down with Golden Boy Promotions and seek out the next challenge, either a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or a trilogy bout with Manny Pacquiao. He would like fight in the summer, with the fight landing in somewhere between July and September.

"After knocking out Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez, of my promoter Golden Boy, told me that they will try to get me Floyd Mayweather. I asked for that fight at junior welterweight at most, or for them to get me a third fight against Manny Pacquiao. I am ready to fight with either, and I believe that I will be able to fight between July and September," Marquez said. "I am happy with Golden Boy. In the last three years, they have gotten me some good purses.  I am comfortable with Nacho Beristain, he is a great manager."

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