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In the classic 1980's movie Top Gun, Tom Cruise's character "Maverick," the second best pilot in the U.S. Navy's Fighter Weapon School (aka Top Gun), engaged in a heated competition with "Iceman," the # 1-ranked pilot, played by Val Kilmer. Ultimately, a crisis with the Soviets forced the two to work together; both their lives at risk in a seemingly hopeless aerial combat against multiple MIG fighter jets, became the impetus for teamwork, and the realization that both top pilots - massive egos aside - needed each other to survive. Final Dogfight Scene
And that each one represented and defended the United States of America.
Final Scene (Iceman and Maverick)
Iceman: "YOU. You are still dangerous. You can be my wingman any day."
Maverick: "Bulls***, you can be mine."
In 2007, former number one pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0) emerged victorious in two tough contests against Oscar de la Hoya (in May of that year) and Ricky Hatton (in December). In 2008, current number one pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2) easily dismantled de la Hoya (this past December) and is looking to do the same to Ricky Hatton on May 2nd. Two common opponents. Like "training sessions" with flight instructors "Viper" and "Jester" on their way to the real test - the fight of the decade - against each other. Undoubtedly, "Pretty Boy" vs. "Pacman" is the biggest possible fight in boxing (see Marketing boxing’s climax: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather I) which may easily generate $20 million for each fighter.
It is no secret that WBA, WBO, IBO, and Ring lightweight champ - and current number two pound-for-pound fighter - Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1) has been on Pacquiao's tail - flying around his "jetwash" (rapidly moving gases expelled from a jet engine considered extremely turbulent but of short duration). As Manny looks to defeat Mayweather's last opponent Ricky Hatton, Mayweather may get the opportunity to get rid of Marquez - and "blast" Dinamita away from Pacquiao's tail.
Because if Marquez loses against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Pretty Boy vs. Pacman will become that much more compelling of a fight over a contemplated Pacquiao vs. Marquez III. That is the essential risk that Marquez is taking. A Floyd victory over Marquez clears the way for an obstacle-free collision between former and current # 1.
Unretirement and Seeking a "Tune-Up" Bout
When I attended the February 28 post-fight media conference of Juan Manuel Marquez - Juan Diaz in Houston, Texas, Oscar de la Hoya - assuming his role as president of Golden Boy Promotions, and agent of Marquez - when asked by a reporter, said that he knew of "certain information" that lead him to believe that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. would soon return to the boxing ring. Around the first week of March, reports began to surface that Juan Manuel Marquez would indeed square off with Mayweather, Jr. - according to Marquez's trainer Nacho Beristain in Esto.com.mx. A mega-fight that would tentatively be schedule for September 12, 2009.
Talks in Impasse
The talks between Floyd's camp and Golden Boy Promotions / Marquez's camp have apparently and recently bogged down, if not, downright appear over. (See Esto.com article link - and hopefully you're in the mood to brush up on your Spanish.) Floyd Mayweather, Jr. insists on fighting at the 147 lbs. welterweight limit, while the 135 lbs. champ Marquez is currently holding his ground to hold the bout at the 140 lbs. junior welterweight limit.
147 lb. vs. 140 lb.
At 147 lbs., I would have to consider Mayweather (at least) a very strong 4-1 favorite over Marquez, who has never fought above the 135 lb. lightweight limit. Marquez may be a higher volume puncher than the lower quantity, but more effective, puncher Mayweather, however, the shots that do land on a bloated Marquez would probably have a much more significant effect.
At 140 lbs., however, Mayweather vs. Marquez would indeed be a bona fide mega-fight. At this weight, we would have to consider Marquez as having a "solid chance" at defeating Mayweather, who would have to drain his body below an otherwise more normal weight of 147 - 154 lbs. Secondly, if the fight takes place in September, Floyd will have been away from boxing for close to two years. Floyd's ring rust would translate to an advantage for the presumably sharper Marquez.
What If?
The interesting question is, "What if Marquez does beat Mayweather at 140 lbs.? Does he then become the current # 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport?" In that case, it would be reasonable to foresee many, if not most, boxing observers to consider him as number one, relegating Manny Pacquiao to (perhaps temporary) number two status, despite holding a decision win over "Dinamita." Such a scenario would become a rare anomaly in boxing. Sports fans may hold a parallelism with college football's Texas Longhorns being left out of the bowl champsionship series (BCS), while the Oklahoma Sooners (a team the Longhorns beat during the regular season) went on to the championship game to face the Florida Gators.
Secondly, if Marquez beats Mayweather (say, at 140 lbs.), Pacquiao vs. Marquez III may become the genuine fight of the decade after all - with some boxing followers currently not even realizing it.
Additionally, if Marquez defeats Mayweather (again, let's say at 140 lbs.), might that victory possibly eliminate a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight?
As mentioned previously, talks between Marquez's and Mayweather's camps appear "over."
It has taken "Dinamita" several years to emerge from the shadows of Mexican greats Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7) and Erik Morales (48-6) - fighters that Manny Pacquiao has defeated. Marquez won a tough decision win over Barrera in 2007, and it appears "El Terrible" Morales may be the opponent Marquez faces in September, as Morales - who is only 32 years old - has repeatedly stated his intentions of returning to the ring.
As Pacquiao attempts to dispose of Floyd's previous foes (de la Hoya, and now Ricky Hatton), such a bout would have Marquez attempting to dispose of Manny's old foes.
Small world.
A Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Erik Morales fight seems a sellable bout. To be sure, Morales has been out of the ring since a decision loss to former Pacquiao opponent David Diaz in 2007.
In a previous article (Boxing's elite trifecta: Marquez vs. Pacquio vs. Mayweather), I pegged Morales as Juan Manuel Marquez's fifth most attractive matchup.
In that submission, I shared . . .
Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez - Lightweight (50 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw) - Mexico City, Mexico
Here, we view 5 prospective ring opponents for "Dinamita."
5. Erik "El Terrible" Morales - Lightweight (48 wins, 6 losses) - Tijuana, Mexico
Yes, Morales has been out of the fight scene since his loss to David Diaz in 2007. Despite his recent inactivity, he is still only 32 years old. Morales did state his intentions of returning back to the ring sometime in 2009 or 2010. No one can take away his hall of fame status and I would love to see "El Terrible" fight "Dinamita." The young Morales was a fearless warrior who would tear into his nemesis Marco Antonio Barrera. Undoubtedly, Marquez is a very tough foe for Morales but such a fight might have the makings of becoming a classic, and possibly a Fight of the Year candidate.
# 1 Pound for Pound Recognition (for Marquez)
It appears, there are two ways in which Juan Manuel Marquez can capture the status of being the number one pound-for-pound fighter status - albeit one route would make that claim highly contentious. So contentious, in fact, that we would have to believe that a Pacquiao vs. Marquez III would have to be inevitable at that point.
Outright beat Manny Pacquiao in Pacquiao vs. Marquez III. (Some fans would argue that Marquez would have to beat Pacquiao twice in order to gain the #1 P4P ranking, since Manny has already beaten Marquez in 2008. I believe this is a false argument. At any rate, would such a scenario usher in a Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV - as an "all in" championship tie-breaker? Perhaps.)
Beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (presumably at 140 lbs.), although claiming the #1 ranking from Manny at this point would be highly controversial, as previously mentioned.
Evolution of Pound for Pound Fighters.
And that each one represented and defended the United States of America.
Final Scene (Iceman and Maverick)
Iceman: "YOU. You are still dangerous. You can be my wingman any day."
Maverick: "Bulls***, you can be mine."
In 2007, former number one pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (39-0) emerged victorious in two tough contests against Oscar de la Hoya (in May of that year) and Ricky Hatton (in December). In 2008, current number one pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2) easily dismantled de la Hoya (this past December) and is looking to do the same to Ricky Hatton on May 2nd. Two common opponents. Like "training sessions" with flight instructors "Viper" and "Jester" on their way to the real test - the fight of the decade - against each other. Undoubtedly, "Pretty Boy" vs. "Pacman" is the biggest possible fight in boxing (see Marketing boxing’s climax: Pacquiao vs. Mayweather I) which may easily generate $20 million for each fighter.
It is no secret that WBA, WBO, IBO, and Ring lightweight champ - and current number two pound-for-pound fighter - Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1) has been on Pacquiao's tail - flying around his "jetwash" (rapidly moving gases expelled from a jet engine considered extremely turbulent but of short duration). As Manny looks to defeat Mayweather's last opponent Ricky Hatton, Mayweather may get the opportunity to get rid of Marquez - and "blast" Dinamita away from Pacquiao's tail.
Because if Marquez loses against Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Pretty Boy vs. Pacman will become that much more compelling of a fight over a contemplated Pacquiao vs. Marquez III. That is the essential risk that Marquez is taking. A Floyd victory over Marquez clears the way for an obstacle-free collision between former and current # 1.
Unretirement and Seeking a "Tune-Up" Bout
When I attended the February 28 post-fight media conference of Juan Manuel Marquez - Juan Diaz in Houston, Texas, Oscar de la Hoya - assuming his role as president of Golden Boy Promotions, and agent of Marquez - when asked by a reporter, said that he knew of "certain information" that lead him to believe that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. would soon return to the boxing ring. Around the first week of March, reports began to surface that Juan Manuel Marquez would indeed square off with Mayweather, Jr. - according to Marquez's trainer Nacho Beristain in Esto.com.mx. A mega-fight that would tentatively be schedule for September 12, 2009.
Talks in Impasse
The talks between Floyd's camp and Golden Boy Promotions / Marquez's camp have apparently and recently bogged down, if not, downright appear over. (See Esto.com article link - and hopefully you're in the mood to brush up on your Spanish.) Floyd Mayweather, Jr. insists on fighting at the 147 lbs. welterweight limit, while the 135 lbs. champ Marquez is currently holding his ground to hold the bout at the 140 lbs. junior welterweight limit.
147 lb. vs. 140 lb.
At 147 lbs., I would have to consider Mayweather (at least) a very strong 4-1 favorite over Marquez, who has never fought above the 135 lb. lightweight limit. Marquez may be a higher volume puncher than the lower quantity, but more effective, puncher Mayweather, however, the shots that do land on a bloated Marquez would probably have a much more significant effect.
At 140 lbs., however, Mayweather vs. Marquez would indeed be a bona fide mega-fight. At this weight, we would have to consider Marquez as having a "solid chance" at defeating Mayweather, who would have to drain his body below an otherwise more normal weight of 147 - 154 lbs. Secondly, if the fight takes place in September, Floyd will have been away from boxing for close to two years. Floyd's ring rust would translate to an advantage for the presumably sharper Marquez.
What If?
The interesting question is, "What if Marquez does beat Mayweather at 140 lbs.? Does he then become the current # 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport?" In that case, it would be reasonable to foresee many, if not most, boxing observers to consider him as number one, relegating Manny Pacquiao to (perhaps temporary) number two status, despite holding a decision win over "Dinamita." Such a scenario would become a rare anomaly in boxing. Sports fans may hold a parallelism with college football's Texas Longhorns being left out of the bowl champsionship series (BCS), while the Oklahoma Sooners (a team the Longhorns beat during the regular season) went on to the championship game to face the Florida Gators.
Secondly, if Marquez beats Mayweather (say, at 140 lbs.), Pacquiao vs. Marquez III may become the genuine fight of the decade after all - with some boxing followers currently not even realizing it.
Additionally, if Marquez defeats Mayweather (again, let's say at 140 lbs.), might that victory possibly eliminate a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight?
As mentioned previously, talks between Marquez's and Mayweather's camps appear "over."
It has taken "Dinamita" several years to emerge from the shadows of Mexican greats Marco Antonio Barrera (65-7) and Erik Morales (48-6) - fighters that Manny Pacquiao has defeated. Marquez won a tough decision win over Barrera in 2007, and it appears "El Terrible" Morales may be the opponent Marquez faces in September, as Morales - who is only 32 years old - has repeatedly stated his intentions of returning to the ring.
As Pacquiao attempts to dispose of Floyd's previous foes (de la Hoya, and now Ricky Hatton), such a bout would have Marquez attempting to dispose of Manny's old foes.
Small world.
A Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Erik Morales fight seems a sellable bout. To be sure, Morales has been out of the ring since a decision loss to former Pacquiao opponent David Diaz in 2007.
In a previous article (Boxing's elite trifecta: Marquez vs. Pacquio vs. Mayweather), I pegged Morales as Juan Manuel Marquez's fifth most attractive matchup.
In that submission, I shared . . .
Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez - Lightweight (50 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw) - Mexico City, Mexico
Here, we view 5 prospective ring opponents for "Dinamita."
5. Erik "El Terrible" Morales - Lightweight (48 wins, 6 losses) - Tijuana, Mexico
Yes, Morales has been out of the fight scene since his loss to David Diaz in 2007. Despite his recent inactivity, he is still only 32 years old. Morales did state his intentions of returning back to the ring sometime in 2009 or 2010. No one can take away his hall of fame status and I would love to see "El Terrible" fight "Dinamita." The young Morales was a fearless warrior who would tear into his nemesis Marco Antonio Barrera. Undoubtedly, Marquez is a very tough foe for Morales but such a fight might have the makings of becoming a classic, and possibly a Fight of the Year candidate.
# 1 Pound for Pound Recognition (for Marquez)
It appears, there are two ways in which Juan Manuel Marquez can capture the status of being the number one pound-for-pound fighter status - albeit one route would make that claim highly contentious. So contentious, in fact, that we would have to believe that a Pacquiao vs. Marquez III would have to be inevitable at that point.
Outright beat Manny Pacquiao in Pacquiao vs. Marquez III. (Some fans would argue that Marquez would have to beat Pacquiao twice in order to gain the #1 P4P ranking, since Manny has already beaten Marquez in 2008. I believe this is a false argument. At any rate, would such a scenario usher in a Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV - as an "all in" championship tie-breaker? Perhaps.)
Beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (presumably at 140 lbs.), although claiming the #1 ranking from Manny at this point would be highly controversial, as previously mentioned.
Evolution of Pound for Pound Fighters.
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