Marquez's Coach: Estrada, Ramirez Best in Mexico - NOT Canelo

By Miguel Rivera

Renowned Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain, who is best known for his work with former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez, says Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez is NOT the best fighter in Mexico and ranks him behind several others boxers.

For Nacho, the best fighter in Mexico is WBA/WBO flyweight world champion Juan Francisco 'Gallo' Estrada, and then WBO super middleweight world champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez.

"For me the best champions in the world from Mexico are Gallo "Estrada and then Zurdo Ramirez," Beristain told ESPN Deportes. "Right now you put Juan Manuel Marquez on the sidelines because he hasn't been active, but we all know what Juan is capable of in a ring." 

"The only bad thing is that 'Gallo' Estrada has been injured. It seems that a long ago he broke a hand and he's about to finish his recovery. But he's a fighter who boxes well, has good combinations, is disciplined, young and has good corner. On the other hand, Ramirez is a young fighter but is very hungry and has a good coach.

And regarding some of Mexico's other world champion fighters like Francisco Vargas and Oscar Valdez, Beristain said:

"Valdez, we have not seen him fight much. This time we saw him against a comfortable opponent and it didn't really tell us whether or not he can or can't be the best one day. Bandido Vargas is spectacular, but if he continues with this pace of wars he will not last long."

And what about Carlos Cuadras, who defends his WBC super flyweight belt against Nicaraguan Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez on September 10.

"I think that fight between Cuadras and Chocolatito will be a real treat for the audience, but I think the Nicaraguan will end up winning."