I do not believe that Juan "Dinamita" Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) is going to defeat Floyd 
"Money" Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) in two weeks. But I have seen much stranger things happen in my 25+ years watching boxing. Shoot, I wouldn’t exactly call it strange if arguably the second or third best active fighter in the world (Marquez) defeated the former pound-for-pound king (Mayweather).
Here’s why I could see Marquez springing the mild upset:
- Ring Activity. While Mayweather has been off for nearly two years dabbling in professional wrestling, celebrity dancing and cheesy Internet commercials, "Dinamita" has spent his time taking Manny Pacquiao to the brink, and handing Joel Casamayor and Juan Diaz their first defeats via knockout. It’s not just that he’s been active. It’s who he’s been active against.
- Fight Location. Yes, I know that "Money" currently makes Las Vegas, Nevada his home. And that Marquez has not always been the biggest draw. However, since this fight takes place so close to Mexican Independence Day (September 16) and "Sin City" has a heavy Mexican fan base, we all know what could happen in a close, distance fight.
- "Un Hombre Malo." For the linguistically-challenged, that means "a bad man" in Spanish. And that’s what Marquez is. He’s one helluva fighter. In my opinion, he’s the most technically-skilled fighter that Mayweather will have ever faced. It’ll be interesting to see how Mayweather reacts to a man who may be the closest thing to his equal in terms of ring smarts.
In short, do not sleep on Juan Manuel Marquez. As much as people praise Manny Pacquiao (and I am one of those people), they should not forget that "Dinamita" easily could have gotten the decision in each of his fights against the Pac Man. Although my money will be on Mayweather, there’s no dog in this underdog.
I agree. The only way JMM can win this fight is if Floyd’s rib injury isn’t fully healed.
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I believe Juan Manuel Marquez will beat Mayweather. Check http://pacquiao-vs-cotto.cebuspace.com/ for the latest updates on the Pacquiao vs Cotto fight.
We are half way through another HBO 24/7 and Mayweather once again proves what a complete asshole he is. Does becoming the greatest ___ in the word, give one a pass to flaunt, brag, and display obscene arrogance? There was definitely a time when one could root for Mayweather and still feel like he was the better man. I think that time has passed.
I’m rooting for Marquez because he’s hungrier, smarter and when push comes to shove, will stand toe to Mayweather’s (freshly pedicured’) toe and beat that smirk off his face once and for all. I believe Mayweather has reached that DeLa Hoya plateau, where the hunger is gone and the comfort level of life is more attractive than reaching for the next level. But it won’t be so bad for Mayweather, he at least can lay his head on freshly shredded hundred dollar bills that make up his pillow.
the last fight true champion mayweather has fought was castillo everyone else was a fluke or out of the prime and that was in the lightweight division, ge has not proven anything in the last few years even before he retired “in my opinion” even though marquez is smaller if mayweather wins he will gain my respect cause i lost it when he was moving up
@Marx: That’s if you really believe that Floyd hurt his rib. 😉
@Gabriel: I admit that the Mayweather act is getting played out, but what do you expect…it’s pseudo-reality TV. If he acted kindler and gentler, your post would be mild or non-existent. For better or for worse, that type of shish sells, and he’s milking it (I wouldn’t be surprised if his actions were even being encouraged).
All that aside, his skills can’t be denied. Don’t let your emotions control your prediction.
@George: I disagree but you are entitled to your prediction. I welcome contrary commentary. 🙂
I hear you BUT I think the Hatton win (at the time) was pretty legit. Beating the larger De La Hoya shoulda earned a measure of props, but not much. And we all know that Baldomir, although he was the legit 147 champ, was a paper tiger. I find it interesting that you think him beating Marquez is very props-worthy. To me, KOing him impressively would be the only way I’d be hella-impressed. But if Mayweather defeats Pacquiao, then I’d really tip my hat (although I’d like to see another win against a full-sized welterweight like Mosley or Cotto before he retires again).
Yes, Ja. I still can’t fully understand why Floyd decided to fight JMM in the first place. He could have faced a full predged welterweight in Cotto, Mosley, or even Clottey. Why choose a smaller man? Did insecurity play in – meaning by beating JMM convincingly he will be able to prove he’s better than Manny, and knowing that because of his relationship with Arum a fight with Manny would be difficult to arrange? To me, this fight is more of a testament of his cowardice than anything else.
VERY interesting take Marx. I think part of what you say is true…minimum risk (at least compared to facing others like Clottey or Mosley; I leave out Cotto because it’s doubtful that fight coulda been made, right away at least, based on your comments about Mayweather & Arum’s cold relationship-compounded by the fact that Cotto and Pacquiao are fighting each other), decent reward (solid payday in prep for a possible larger showdown with Cotto or Pacquiao in 2010…Arum & Al Haymon-willing). From what I have read, the beef is further exacerbated by Arum and Hayom’s frosty relationship. That being said, what Floyd is doing is all too common nowadays for star fighters as they start getting mad paid – they seek the best ROI, with as little risk as possible. Can’t knock them for it business-wise, but we can sure complain as fans. I’m optimistic that when all the smoke clears, we’ll eventually see a Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown in the spring of 2010.
Can ANYONE validate Mayweather actually hurt his rib / ribs? I ‘m telling you it’s a TRAP to have the Marquez team thinking about his ribs. You have to prepare for anything and everything. I believe Marquez is ready but let’s not focus too much on the (possible?) rib injury. Go Marquez! Viva Mexico! Mabuhay Philippines! Mayweather = GAGO in tagalog
Msr. HYPE, what’s your prediction for Mayweather-Marquez, and Cotto-Pacquiao?
Mayweather will do this easily, Marquez to show resiliensy and heart with having a few moments along the way..UD Mayweather118-110…117-111..116-112..only chance Marquez has is catching lightning in a bottle(ie one punch) but Mayweather won’t allow it..
Darren, your prediction is likely outcome but I think Mayweather will have enough juice to stop Marquez.
I’m here to gloat….My prediction was spot on…He willl easily handle Manny as well…There is someone out there that can solve the puzzle..Who? I don’t know.
@darren…good call, but it wasn’t exactly a difficult one. that being said, no one up to 140 has a chance. I do feel that from 147-154, Williams, Mosley and Margarito (even though he’s a cheater) would REALLY trouble him (and in that order) based on their size. Mosley’s combo of skill and strength would arguably be his most formidable challenge. However, I think he’d find a way to defeat all three men with the possible exception of Williams. I don’t think Cotto or Pacquiao would be able to defeat him.
Mosley will f up mayweather. No doubt about that. Even you can’t deny that!
@Gabriel…Me don’t think so. Styles make fights. Although I think Shane, right behind Paul Williams, would give Mayweather the most difficulty in this weight range, the only advantage he will have is in physical strength. Floyd has better defense, better footwork and quicker hands. At this point, that would be enough to decision Mosley.
@Ja Dawson:
@Ja Dawson:
only person floyd could beat other than the smaller light weight and and super lightweights is cotto and that would be in a decision of 12 rounds like the UNIMPRESSIVE decision win he got over a TWO weight class lower Marquez. this guy has the world fooled but im not mad at his money hustle. wake up America ths guy’s a joke. he will never and i repeat NEVER fight in his weight class again. only smaller fighters.
@medic, Floyd is definitely fighting guys moving up, no doubt, but many a great fighter had their biggest fights doing the same…Tyson’s greatest win (arguably) was over a blown-up light heavy in Michael Spinks, Bernard Hopkins’s was against former welterweight Tito, Marvin Hagler’s was against former welterweight Tommy Hearns (and his biggest loss was to another welterweight, Leonard, and he struggled with the naturally smaller Duran), and the list goes on. That being said, I hear some of your critic of Mayweather. If he fought PacMan, no one would be really mad (it’s just that he fought Marquez before PacMan)…that’s two smaller, albeit great, fighters in a row. I feel he has to fight at least Cotto and/or Mosley before he calls it a day to earn greater respect.
Floyd Mayweather,Jr already won the fight..now we are all waiting and excited to watch the Firepower fight with Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.