By Rafael Soto
Mexico, DF. The two-time world champion, and one of the best pound for pound in the world, Rafael Marquez (39-5, 35 KOs), closed his training camp in his native Mexico City, as he prepares to head to Las Vegas for his anticipated confrontation on November 6 against the dangerous Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs) at the MGM Garden Arena at Las Vegas, Nevada.
Marquez, 35, had six rounds of sparring, four with Luis Zaragoza and two with Jorge Reynoso, under the watchful eye of his coach Daniel Zaragoza. He then went four rounds on the bag, hitting the mitts with Arturo Uruzquieta, training sessions on his abdomen, and neck strengthening.
Rafael attended a training day where a lot of fans and media turned out to see him before he left for Los Angeles to take part in a media event, and then he plans to travel to Las Vegas where he will face Lopez of Puerto Rico for the WBO featherweight title.
"The preparation was excellent. I'm ready for war. If he wants to fight, we'll fight. If he wants to box, we'll box. I'm ready for everything. This is the fight of my life. I want to win and I will," said Marquez.
The event, promoted by Top Rank, will air on Showtime in the United States and on TV Azteca in Mexico.