By Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com
Featherweight Rafael Marquez does not see his fight with WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez going the distance on November 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. One way or another, Marquez says one of them is going to win by knockout. Marquez has finally begun to spar after suffering a hand injury that postponed the fight from the original September date. Marquez is ready to go out on his shield if necessary.
Trainer and former world champion Daniel Zaragoza was happy to see his fighter work hard in the gym without any pain in the hand.
"Rafael boxed, but at a slow pace, trying combinations and defense. Fortunately he did not feel any pain, is ready to fight," said Zaragoza said.
Marquez predicts an explosive contest with someone laying down on their back.
"Because of the bruise on my hand I had had to postpone the fight. Juanma can't be allowed to have any benefits and I have to be at 100%. This is one of the biggest fights in my career. The two of us can hit and I think that is going to end with a knockout for one of us, and I hope to be the one who will triumph," Marquez said.
Zaragoza says Marquez looked good as he sparred with Juan Antonio Rodríguez and Otocani Reynoso. Marquez respects the power of Juanma but also sees flaws.
"I saw him knock out several opponents in one round, like when he won the title from Daniel Ponce De Leon, but I've also seen him in trouble. He is not invincible. I expect a great fight and a win," Marquez said.
