By Ryan Burton
Various reports have been out on the internet saying that Juan Manuel Lopez would like to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on Mexican Independence weekend next September.
The fight would be intriguing for many reasons. You would have the Mexico versus Puerto Rico angle. You also would have the story of Juan Manuel Lopez moving up in weight and Juan Manuel Marquez trying to avenge his little brother Rafael's loss.
When BoxingScene spoke to Lopez he confirmed that he is interested in the fight but that the fight was brought up in casual conversation.
"I would be interested in the fight. Someone brought up the question and yes I would like to do it. I wanted to give Rafael a rematch but if he can't go I would fight his brother. Juan Manuel Marquez and I would be a big fight for Mexican Independence Day. I want to fight in March and then Gamboa in June. I would be ready to fight again in September"
The fight is unlikely to happen for a few reasons. The first being the weight. Juan Manuel hasn't fought at 130 pounds losing a split decision to Manny Pacquiao in March of 2008.
Juanma told BoxingScene, "I would go up to 130 pounds and he could meet me there."
The second reason is the promoters. Lopez is promoted by Top Rank and Marquez is promoted by Golden Boy. The feud between the two companies would likely prevent any co-promotion from happening.
Another reason the fight won't likely happen is that the featherweight division is loaded with intriguing fights. Besides Lopez and Rafael Marquez the division has fighters like Yuriorkis Gamboa, Celestino Caballero, Chris John, and Elio Rojas. It seems unlikely that Top Rank would risk one of their young and up and coming talents in a higher weight class when there are lucrative many lucrative options in his current division.
Full interview with Juan Manuel Lopez to follow on BoxingScene shortly.
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