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Personally, the more and more I see Marquez fight, the more I think he has a legit chance of becoming the best Mexican-born fighter of all time.
Julio Cesar Chavez had a tremendous career. 115 fights, 30+ title fights, with 30+ wins in those title fights. Fight Of The Year accomplishments, 130,000+ fans for one fight in Mexico City. Unification bouts, victories over decent competition and amazingly had longevity with his style of fighting. Winning titles in three divisions.
Ricardo Lopez had 50+ fights, 52 to be exact. Winning 51 and having only one blemish, a draw. However, he HAS beaten everyone he's faced, having avenged that draw. Retired undefeated and was a TRUE world champion, having started his career out fighting mainly in Mexico. He then fought quite a bit in America, making stops in South Korea, Japan and Thailand. He finished his career off with a 74% knockout rating. Fairly high for his style of fighting. A champion in 2 divisions, with 21 defences of his WBC Strawweight title, holding atleast once the IBF, WBC and WBA version of the 105 pound title. Finally moving up to JR. Flyweight to win and then defend that title twice before finally retiring.
Salvador Sanchez also had a great career going for him, unfortunately ending after he died in a car accident. 1 loss out of 45 fights, losing a closee split decision that many feel could have gone his way. Ironically, losing the fight that 'happened' to be only his 2nd distance fight. After 19 fights. Mainly remembered for his mauling of Wilfredo Gomez, who was moving up in weight, to get knocked out in 8 rounds. Also for his fight with Azumah Nelson, giving the future great his first loss with a 15 round stoppage, the only stoppage of Nelsons entire 40+ fight career.
Juan Manuel Marquez is STILL having the 'last run' of his career and he keeps getting better. He is number 2, p4p in the world and only behind the world beater, who he has more rounds over then any other man alive. He's won titles in three different divisions and has a record of 49(36) - 4(0) - 1, with wins over Agapito Sanchez, Robbie Peden, Manuel Medina, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez, with two close fights to Manny Pacquiao. He's had three disputed losses, including fights with Chris John and Freddie Norwood. He's also the first and only man that has ever stopped the great Joel Casamayor, winnig the TRUE world title at 135 in the process. Currently, in training to face Juan Diaz, in a fight that can only add to his reputation.
With talks of him moving up and fighting Ricky Hatton, or other fights at 135 that include Edwin Valero, Nate Campbell/Ali Funeka, Joan Guzman or fighters moving up from JR. Lightweight like Humberto Soto and Jorge Barrios.... What do you think his chances are of surpassing passed Mexican greats, if he already hasn't in your mind?
Vote. Discuss.
Julio Cesar Chavez had a tremendous career. 115 fights, 30+ title fights, with 30+ wins in those title fights. Fight Of The Year accomplishments, 130,000+ fans for one fight in Mexico City. Unification bouts, victories over decent competition and amazingly had longevity with his style of fighting. Winning titles in three divisions.
Ricardo Lopez had 50+ fights, 52 to be exact. Winning 51 and having only one blemish, a draw. However, he HAS beaten everyone he's faced, having avenged that draw. Retired undefeated and was a TRUE world champion, having started his career out fighting mainly in Mexico. He then fought quite a bit in America, making stops in South Korea, Japan and Thailand. He finished his career off with a 74% knockout rating. Fairly high for his style of fighting. A champion in 2 divisions, with 21 defences of his WBC Strawweight title, holding atleast once the IBF, WBC and WBA version of the 105 pound title. Finally moving up to JR. Flyweight to win and then defend that title twice before finally retiring.
Salvador Sanchez also had a great career going for him, unfortunately ending after he died in a car accident. 1 loss out of 45 fights, losing a closee split decision that many feel could have gone his way. Ironically, losing the fight that 'happened' to be only his 2nd distance fight. After 19 fights. Mainly remembered for his mauling of Wilfredo Gomez, who was moving up in weight, to get knocked out in 8 rounds. Also for his fight with Azumah Nelson, giving the future great his first loss with a 15 round stoppage, the only stoppage of Nelsons entire 40+ fight career.
Juan Manuel Marquez is STILL having the 'last run' of his career and he keeps getting better. He is number 2, p4p in the world and only behind the world beater, who he has more rounds over then any other man alive. He's won titles in three different divisions and has a record of 49(36) - 4(0) - 1, with wins over Agapito Sanchez, Robbie Peden, Manuel Medina, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rocky Juarez, with two close fights to Manny Pacquiao. He's had three disputed losses, including fights with Chris John and Freddie Norwood. He's also the first and only man that has ever stopped the great Joel Casamayor, winnig the TRUE world title at 135 in the process. Currently, in training to face Juan Diaz, in a fight that can only add to his reputation.
With talks of him moving up and fighting Ricky Hatton, or other fights at 135 that include Edwin Valero, Nate Campbell/Ali Funeka, Joan Guzman or fighters moving up from JR. Lightweight like Humberto Soto and Jorge Barrios.... What do you think his chances are of surpassing passed Mexican greats, if he already hasn't in your mind?
Vote. Discuss.
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