By Mark Vester
During the WBO's convention in Budapest, Hungary, it was ruled that WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez would have to face the winner of Michael Katsidis vs Vicente Escobedo - if he loses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Marquez challenges Mayweather at the catch-weight of 144-pounds on September 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Katsidis vs. Escobedo takes place on the undercard, with the WBO's interim-lightweight title on the line. If Marquez loses to Mayweather and fails to meet the winner of the that fight, the winner would become the full champion.
If Marquez beats Mayweather, the WBO would allow him to postpone his title defense in order to give him time to make another big fight.
"Marquez is one of the biggest world champions in the WBO. We have given him the status of super champion, and therefore, if he beats Mayweather, he will have clearance to continue looking for big fights without having to defend his crown. But if he loses, then the WBO will ask that he face the temporary world champion, and that person will arise from the encounter between Michael Katsidis and Vicente Escobedo," said WBO president Paco Valcarcel to ESTO
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