By Miguel Rivera
Mexican boxers Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39KOs) and Jorge Arce (61-6-2, 46KOs), along with their mutual trainer Nacho Beristain, are looking to make a serious dent in the rivalry between Mexico and the Philippines. In the month of December, Marquez and Arce are going up against the two best Filipino boxers in the sport.
On December 8, Marquez will face Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38KOs) for a fourth time at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. And on December 15th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Arce will go up against IBF super bantamweight king Nonito Donaire (30-1, 19KOs). Nacho is training both Mexican veterans for their upcoming fights.
"Can you imagine that if on December 8th Marquez beats Manny Pacquiao with Beristain in his corner, and then on December 15 I beat Donaire with Don Nacho Beristain in my corner - it would be something historical. Just seeing me come to the ring with Nacho Beristain, it will have an affect on Donaire," Arce said.
For his part, Marquez agrees with Arce's opinion on their respective fights.
"This speaks volumes that it's a good moment in time for Mexican boxing, and that's why I can't waste this moment on the 8th and neither can Arce on the 15th," Marquez said.
Arce says his retirement from the sport is starting to near, and he might retire after the fight with Donaire - win or lose.
"Retirement is close. If I lose with Donaire, I will [retire] but I am going out knowing that I lost against the best. But what if I win? I could go out as the best," Arce said.
