By Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

Golden Boy Promotions CEI Richard Schaefer claims there is “no truth to the rumors” that WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez had figured in a car accident and that he had a “laceration” on his forehead.

 

The statement about the laceration suffered in a car crash was attributed to HBO commentator Jim Lampley.

 

However, when Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today checked with Schaefer he said the rumors were not true and that Marquez was in Las Vegas to help promote the “Undefeated” blockbuster fight card headlined by the battle between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Britain’s Ricky Hatton.

 

Schaefer said Marquez “is well and is very much looking forward” to the March 15, 2008 rematch with Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao.

 

The Golden Boy CEO said Marquez “has no doubt he will win that fight.”

 

In their first clash in 2004 Pacquiao dropped Marquez three times in the first round but couldn’t finish him off and the Mexican counter-punched his way beautifully to salvage a draw.

 

Pacquiao has indicated that after his 29th birthday celebration on December 17 he plans to leave with his family to spend the Christmas season in the US and will begin training after the holidays at celebrated trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles.