Mayweather Pound for Pound Too Much for Marquez!!!
By Coach “K”
September 19th, the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas: After mistakenly picking with my heart in the much hula balu return to the ring of former pound for pound champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. from his self imposed retirement, the undefeated favorite after a minor distraction of not making weight, a catch weight he imposed on his opponent in true “Money” Mayweather fashion buying two pounds cashed in scoring a one sided dominate decision over the undersized overmatched Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.
Mayweather the clearly much bigger, stronger, faster fighter quickly neutralized any intangibles Marquez who now virtually moved up three weight classes may have had leaving the tough Mexican veteran listed as another also ran. Mayweather proved he wasn’t rusty but actually well rested, staying behind a tight defense sporting a sticking jab with some solid counter punching.
The visable size difference was never more evident then in the second round, when Mayweather floored Marquez with a crisp clean left hook. Marquez having several times in his career regrouped quickly returning to the attack.
Mayweather controlled the majority of the action answering any of Marquez clean shots with some solid scoring counter punching to keep the game Mexican at bay.
Marquez had his moments usually on a Mayweather respite scoring just enough to keep the large Mexican contingent hopeful.
After round five Mayweather was in complete control staying behind a stiff jab picking his shots. Despite Mayweather’s dominance the Mexican would not take a back step continuing to keep the hope of another late round comeback alive.
The final two rounds usually belonging to the hard closing Marquez saw Mayweather pick up the pace applying the final nail in the coffin, denying Marquez any chance of an upset or the chance of a rematch with Pacquiao.
The judges scores were announced 118-109, 119-108 and 120-107 all for Mayweather. After years of avoiding the likes of Antonio Margarito, Miguel Cotto, Paul Williams the also avoided Shane Mosley took another shot to get at Mayweather calling him out during the post fight interview infuriating Mayweather who stormed from the ring. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TheTape Say’s Mayweather, My Heart Say’s Marquez!
By: Coach “K”
As the September 19th showdown for “Numero Uno” draws near, the attractive fight between undefeated “Pretty Boy” Floyd Money” Mayweather, 39-0, 25Ko’s and Mexican “Dinamita” Juan Manuel Marquez, 50-4-1, 37Ko’s at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, should be a classic. I have examined the tale of the tapes both dimensional and video and here’s what I see.
Will size be a factor? Remembering the old adage a good big man always beats a good little man favors Mayweather. But size always a factor, is not always the deciding factor. How the difference in size or weight is handled will tell the story.
“Money” Mayweather is naturally the bigger, heavier man and while Marquez is moving up two weight classes the true question is not the weight itself but how the weight was put on and how it is managed. How will it affect Marquez or will it? I believe the delay in the fight from July 18th to Seprember 19th due to the Mayweather’s injury may have benefited Marquez.
Speed is the dominant factor. In this fight in Mayweather clearly holds the advantage in the speed department. Now after re-examining Floyd’s last six bouts going back to Arturo Gatti in 2005 the list reads Ricky Hatton, an older Oscar De La Hoya, a mismatched Carlos Manuel Baldomir, southpaw Zab Judah, and Sharmba Mitchell rebounding after his destruction at the hands of Kosta Tszyu none of which were anywhere in Mayweather’s speed range and Marquez right now would be quicker than those mentioned in those fights. The question remains how much or at all will the weight from moving up two weight classes will affect Marquez speed or more importantly his timing. Timing is the one thing that can neutralize or beat speed and when sharp “Dinamita” explodes right on time.
Mayweather is about an inch taller and holds a 72” to 67” overall reach advantage over Marquez who’s reach is two inches shorter than Jose Luis Castillo’s. In their first meeting Castillo gave Mayweather his toughest test and Marquez is quicker than “El Terrible.” Marquez possess more speed than any of those last six opponents and he punches in bunches. Given the fact that Mayweather is faster than Marquez it may very well be Marquez’s combination punching and timing that makes the difference. It was the quickness and timing of Marquez counter punching that played so well against the quicker Manny Pacquiao. The real question concerning speed is whether Marquez will be able to retain his reflexes and customary hand speed fighting at the heavier weight.
Now regarding the question of toughness and chin? Marquez has been down several times in his career while Floyd has only been down twice, the first time to Carlos Hernandez May 2001 and a off balance knockdown missed by referee Richard Steele against Zab "Super" Judah 2006. Both have good recovery skills while Mayweather’s defense has allowed him to avoid the types of shots that planted Marquez.
The talented Mexican and his trainer will enter after watching hours of film particularly country man Jose Luis Castillo’s two fights with Mayweather in 2002. Most believe that the first meeting was “Money’s” toughest fight and many ringside felt Castillo won the fight. Watching the second fight in which Mayweather kept his space boxing Castillo early who was able to get inside and land to the body in the middle rounds. Mayweather grabbed the decision by boxing and moving in the later rounds will give team Marquez some insight of what to expect when Mayweather plays runner. Marquez and trainer Nacho Beristain watching the Mayweather vs Hatton, Phillip N'dou and the fourth round versus Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley fights should help Marquez find a way to work his way in and avoid that big shot.
As far as toughness Marquez proved his shield in his first fight with Pacquiao picking himself up off the deck three times in the first round and then go on to earn a draw. He also got caught early facing Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz in his last outing and was cut but adjusted finishing hard stopping Diaz in the ninth round. Granted neither is Mayweather but Marquez is a tough cookie and gets stronger as the fight wears on. “Pretty Boy” showed his pedigree in the fourth round against Demarcus Corley when he was staggered in the fourth but put it back together to drop Corley in the eight and tenth rounds. As far as playing rough he answered Castillo’s hitting on the break with an elbow in the following round showing he will fight the battle on all fronts.
Marquez is a sharp shooter who throws a lot of leather and has stopped the likes of Thai “The Pit Bull” Terdsak Jandaeng, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor and Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz all who had never been stopped in their 116 fights collectively.
Back to Mayweather’s injury, assuming the rib injury allegedly sustained sparring with relatively unknown Juan Pablo Montes De Oca is for real and not a ploy to get the older Marque to over train rib injuries take time to heal add to that the extra time may have helped Marquez more than it did Mayweather. Despite rib injuries having a way of lingering Mayweather did not appear to be hampered by the injury during his subsequent training. Again, did the added month delay caused by Mayweather’s injury allow Marquez’s champion caliber trainer Nacho Beristain the extra necessary time to fine tune and make necessary adjustments.
Mayweather holds the edge in age but four years isn’t that insurmountable considering his 20 months of inactivity due to a self imposed retirement. Some believe that time allowed Mayweather to rest while others say it allowed him to avoid Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
Total bouts may play more of a factor with Marquez having 55 including some tough wars like the ones with Barrera, John and of course Pacquiao. His resume may be missing some big name fights but it was usually due to people ducking him. Mayweather on the other hand coming in undefeated in 39 fights hasn’t been in any real wars with the exception of the aforementioned Castillo bout. The number of fights just may give Marquez the edge in experience considering the Mayweather hasn’t really faced any true adversity inside the ring.
Both have respected corners. Marquez trained by Nacho Beristain also trains Juan’s brother former bantamweight champoin Rafeal and trained bantamweight and super bantamweight champion Daniel Zaragoza, WBC Super Flyweight Champion Gilberto Roman the great strawweight and light flyweight champion Ricardo Lopez.
Mayweather surrounded by family, his father Floyd Sr. a top ten ranked welterweight until being stopped by Sugar Ray Leonard and his uncle Roger Mayweather a two-time world champion and veteran cutman Rafeal Garcia.
There have been several interruptions in Mayweather’s training. The rib injury, Floyd’s trainer / uncle, Roger Mayweather being arrested by police for assault on one of his one of his female fighters and the latest an on going investigation into a shooting outside a Las Vegas bowling alley where Mayweather’s car was video taped and the subsequent confiscation of guns, ammunition and bullet proof vests from his home. All that said, so far Floyd has never allowed anything outside the ring to effect his training or performance.
More than matching skills it will come downs to styles. Mayweather is the more skillful defensive fighter with Marquez holding a slight edge on Mayweather in the offensive category. Both are accomplished counter punchers with Marquez being the busier fighter with a constant body attack. Mayweather is the more mobile fighter by far and while both fighters have demonstrated a sharp inside fight game Marquez holds a slight edge with his activity and body attack. Mayweather also has a tendency to fight off the ropes becoming totally defensive as he did in the Castillo, Hatton and DeLahoya fights. Marquez must take advantage of those respites. Mayweather very disciplined in the ring usually sticks to his fight plan and doesn’t allow his opponent or the crowd take him out of his game. Knowing this Marquez while pressuring must stay composed and not get away from his jab get to Mayweather’s left side and may be he gets frustrated.
When the undefeated six time champion hides behind is rolled left shoulder he should step right and take the left side of Mayweather’s body, use his right hand to pound his ribs, arms and shoulder even his thigh, anything he can get. That was something available to Hatton but he gave it away looking to land his big left hook. Marquez needs to control the middle of the ring keeping his hands high, remain a small target, don’t square up and don’t chase. He must play the matador. He should use a fighting pressure, not a walk down. Punch with a high work rate always using angles finding Mayweather’s left side and never back straight up.
This is one of those fights that no matter who wins both sides will have their fair share of excuses. Mayweather holds all the tangible assets. He’s quicker, bigger more agile. For Marquez it’s more the intangibles that could allow Marquez to play the role of spoiler. His timing and work rate, his ability to recover and adapt along with his desire and pride to be ranked with Mexico’s greatest fighters. He has the tools to upset the “Pretty Boy” can he execute is the question.
Motivation’s not a factor in either camp. Both have several reasons for wanting this win. First of course there is the winner should get Pacquiao assuming he gets past Cotto in November. Both would certainly love the monstrous payday that would come with that fight and the sure promotion to the top of the pound for pound list. Mayweather would also add a seventh world title the most ever held by any fighter in history surpassing “Sugar” Ray Robinson. On the other hand Marquez would place himself with the all time Mexican greats like Julio Cesar Chavez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales but more importantly give him the third fight with “Pac Man” and a shot to redeem himself from the split decision loss he and so many felt he won and what better way to celebrate a belated Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16th).
When it comes down to drive let’s give “Money” Mayweather his props for choosing Marquez in the first place. Whether it was his true competitiveness or just picking another fighter who has to move up to help close the difference in his 6 million dollar crisis with the IRS while waiting for the real money fight Manny Pacquiao. One thing is for sure, it’s “Pretty Boy’s” pride that has always motivated him to train his hardest along with his desire to be the best this fight should be no different.
There’s no doubt money was also a factor when Marquez jumped on the offer but the challenge and a sure road back to the “Pac man” certainly had its influence. Watching some of Marquez training methods like running at fourteen thousand feet above sea level and throwing boulders, eating twenty five quail eggs and consuming his own urine before ending the day in a hyperbaric chamber could fit in any of the six "Rocky" movies and when you have a fighter of Marquez talent a "Rocky" mentality could only help.
Even in victory a Marquez win may not be pretty. It will be his determination, timing and keen ability to adjust even after being dominated that will be the key. To do this he must stay busy with his jab and make Mayweather pay early for all his inactivity. He must make it an ugly pressure fight, get off then fall in, move to his right and not move back through Mayweather’s punching zones. He needs to get his punches off then initiate the clinches, even hold strategically at times not allowing ”Money” to counter. He must take whatever openings Mayweather gives him.
Marquez shouldn’t look for the knockout. At times Marquez could even play possum keeping Floyd guessing. He must jab, jab, jab attack the body, get to his left side and most of all keep his chin tucked avoiding the big counter and a Pacquiao rematch could be his. Floyd will no doubtably have his moments and you can’t be sure what style you will see but no matter what Marquez needs to stay focused and stick to his plan, be decisive and work methodically.
Everything says Mayweather but I like the busier fighters and as I realize I may be following my heart rooting for the underdog which Marquez surely is but my gut says if Marquez fights to his strengths which match Mayweather’s few weaknesses he can win by decision. I guess it’s time to shut up and pick. I’ve got Marquez for the upset. Remember what they say about betting with your heart so I wouldn’t bet the house.
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Marquez Goes “Rocky,” Got Urine?
By: Ethan Doutney
My friends are crashing with stories of Juan Manuel Marquez consumption of his own urine on HBO’s 24/7. Well, I agree that what ever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger but this could be pushing the limits or just carrying it to the extreme but it’s an individual call.
Urine therapy has been practiced for hundreds of years and for many reasons. Unlike steroids, urine therapy is seen as say, Popeye consuming his own urine instead of his can of spinach. Most medical reports are inconclusive stating minimum gains but done too often or too long can be toxic. Whether it’s for religious or physical reasons, vitamin re-consumption or more frequently mentioned re-hydration urine therapy has a mental aspect as well as a physical one. The mental psych gain together with whatever physical benefits obtained can be beneficial remembering the mind controls the fort and boxing is mostly mental.
Forget the I wouldn’t want to be the coach that calls for his team, fighter or whomever to drop their draws and fill the water bottles but if I had access to a hyperbaric chamber I’d use it.
Urine therapy no matter what you want to call it is certainly all natural. There’s no pills, no needles, no drugs just drinking one’s own urine, combine that with high altitude running, drinking 25 quail eggs its sounds like “Rocky.” It’s your call, it may be a “Rocky” move or just a psych job but I bet Buster Douglas wouldn’t argue it.
One thing is for sure, when a skilled fighter like Marquez goes “Rocky” expect a “War."
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Golden Boy Rounds Out Mayweather / Marquez Card!!!
Golden Boy Promotions has rounded out their "Number One/Numero Uno," Mayweather / Marquez match-up with a very compelling undercard. Competing against Dana White’s PPV UFC 103 from American Airlines Arena in Dallas Golden Boy Promotions has rounded out a very attractive fight card. In addition to featherweight Chris John vs Rocky Juarez 12rds, lightweight Michael Katsidis, vs Vicente Escobedo 12rds, welterweight Zab Judah vs Antonio Diaz 10rds co-features
Five bouts have been added to the undercard with the addition of Mexican bantamweight Abner Mares, 19-0, 12Ko’s fresh off a sixth round stoppage of Carlos Fulgencio August 27th vs TBA 8rds, featherweight Cornelius Lock, 18-4-1, 11Ko’s vs TBA 8rds, welterweight Said Ouali, 25-3, 17Ko’s vs TBA 8rds, light welterweight Jesse Vargas, 5-0, 2Ko’s vs TBA 6rds, middleweight Dion Savage, 5-0, 3Ko’s vs TBA 4rds to the Saturday, September 19th Mayweather / Marquez card at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Number One/Numero Uno" will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
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FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
OVER 85 MEDIA MEMBERS CALL IN TO LISTEN AS MAYWEATHER AND MARQUEZ DISCUSS FIGHT, TRAINING AND OTHER TOPICS IN PREPARATION FOR MAYWEATHER VS MARQUEZ: "NUMBER ONE/NUMERO UNO" SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS AND LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®
I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability. I'm back training and you're going to get one hell of a fight." Floyd Mayweather
"I'm getting ready for the best Mayweather ever. I'm not thinking about his retirement. I'm getting ready for the best guy possible...the best fighter in the world."
Juan Manuel Marquez
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
Quotable One-Liners:
"The biggest fight in boxing is Mayweather vs. anyone. It doesn't matter who I fight.
"I don't call out or chase opponents. Opponents have to chase me.
"It's like a t-bone steak. Basically I ate all the meat off the steak and then threw them the bone.
"I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability.
"I feel that my family bond is stronger if we stick together and I feel we're weak if we spread out.
"I'm going down in history as one of the best, one of the best of all time, if not the best."
On Marquez:
"I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability. I'm back training and you're going to get one hell of a fight.
"Marquez is a Mexican warrior. He represents the Mexican community extremely well and the heritage extremely well. I know he's going to be at his best when he comes to face the best, so the only thing I've got to do is go out there and be me. Be sharp and be smart."
On retirement and getting back in the ring:
"I had my first fight in 1987 and I had never had a break, so I guess my body needed a break. You know, everybody needs a break, everybody needs a vacation. Boxing is still in me. I still miss the sport.
"I've been off almost two years now. So, when you've been off two years, you have a chance to relax and just grow as a human being mentally. Not physically, but mentally. Because I feel what makes you a man is taking care of your responsibilities.
"If my body's going to be taking any type of abuse, and my hands are going to be taking any type of abuse, I might as well do it and get under the lights, and do what I like to do - to perform for my fans. I can't wait to get out there on September 19.
"I'm the best at my job because I push myself to the limit at my job. I get to the boxing gym before everybody else. If I get there when everybody else is training, I train so long everybody leaves.
"I already know I'm not worried about the Pay-Per-View numbers. I already know we're going to do good numbers. That's not what I'm chasing. That's going to happen regardless. I want to go out there and perform well for all the fans.
"Hopefully I will be remembered in my own way, and hopefully that's in a good way. Like a lot people say Ali but I think Ali stood for one hell of a cause in his era. And, I take my hat off to all of the champions, but I just want to be known as just one great fighter. Just one great fighter that fought the best in his era."
On his injury:
"Well when it happened, I tried to work through it. I was fine for a while, but then it happened again and I was like, well you know what; I can't try to be a superhero or be Superman.
"It's best to take your time - take a little time off, let it heal and come back so when I do go out and perform I'll be able to perform to the best of my ability for my fans.
"I've been through a lot of physical mishaps before, but only the strong can survive. I'm one of the strong ones. So I just didn't want to go into this fight like I went into other fights in the past where I wasn't 100%.
"I've been training since last week. All I've been doing is running, basketball, or doing a lot of pull-ups and push-ups and dips. You know, getting myself back into shape. Today I'm going to the boxing gym and will probably start working on the floor."
On the Mayweather Family:
"My dad is coming around now. He is teaching his oldest grandson how to box. So that's a good thing. He's coming to the birthday parties of his granddaughters. He's spending more time with his grandkids, getting to know his grandkids, and that's the main thing that counts.
"You've got to realize, my kids are the future of the Mayweather family and of the Mayweather brand. I feel that we're stronger - I feel that my family bond is stronger if we stick together and I feel we're weak if we spread out.
"If you want to learn about the sport of boxing, all you have to do is hang around the Mayweather family. All Roger does is watch boxing all day and study boxing all day. Now me - all I do is sit in the movie theater in my house and eat junk food, like I'm doing right now."
On Manny Pacquiao:
"Everybody on this phone knows that Pacquiao's not going to get a 50/50 with Floyd Mayweather. Go back and look at the numbers he did with David Diaz. People seem to forget about certain things. If you go look at what Pacquiao's grossed in his last two fights, and you see what I've grossed in my last two fights, and you go from there. Its still is a business even though it's a sport.
"Marquez is a guy that really deserves a shot at me so he can make some good money. If Manny Pacquiao really wants to fight me, all he has to do is say it.
"As of right now, Pacquiao - if he's one of the top fighters in the sport - he's got to ask for the fight. I'm not trying to tear him out of the frame. It's not a bad thing with Pacquiao. He has a bad deal."
On being pound-for-pound champ:
"If pound-for-pound pays any extra money, then you know I'm proud to say, 'Oh, yeah, I'm pound-for-pound.' But if it doesn't pay extra money, I'm happy with who I am as a person and I'm happy with my team.
"So, when these guys are beating each other and the title is switching hands, it's no different from when people talk about Manny Pacquiao. And I'm not saying that he hasn't done his job, but he hasn't done anything that I haven't done. All he did was follow right behind me.
"I've beat everybody - it's like a steak. It's like a t-bone steak. Basically I ate all the meat off the steak and then threw them the bone."
On Arturo Gatti & Alexis Arguello:
"I just want to say, blessing to the Gatti family. Blessings to Artuo Gatti, because he was one hell of a warrior.
"I just try to keep my mind focused on the positive and hopefully raising my kids to be the best that they can be once they become young adults in this world. I try not to keep my mind focused on tragedies, but Alexis Arguello was probably one of the best junior lightweights to ever put on a pair of gloves.
"We know Gatti never turned away from any opponent - never turned his back on any opponent. He fought anybody that was put in front of him and was a beast. He's a guy that could get knocked down four or five times and come right back. I guess he had throwback fights - he'd get knocked down four or five times, he'd come back in one shot. I mean, it would be lights out for you."
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
"September 19 obviously is Mexican Independence Day weekend and it's the biggest weekend of the year, but its Floyd's night."
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
Quotable One-Liners
"Obviously, I have a lot of heart. I'm Mexican. I like to get up there. I like to fight.
"Winning will be the gift of my life (Marquez celebrates his birthday August 23)."
On Mayweather:
"It's a very hard fight, but mentally I'm preparing myself to win and I feel I can beat Mayweather.
"Winning will be the gift of my life (Marquez celebrates his birthday August 23). The best gift of my life. I'm preparing myself and I'm putting all the ingredients together so I can beat Mayweather.
"I'm getting ready for the best Mayweather ever. I'm not thinking about his retirement. I'm getting ready for the best guy possible...the best fighter in the world."
On the rescheduling:
"I did get some rest. Nacho is a very experienced trainer. He's a very smart person and he knew that I shouldn't burn myself out. I took about a week to ten days off and I came back fresh, motivated and ready to go."
On Pacquiao:
"I feel that I beat him both times. The first one was very close and I felt that I pulled it off. It was called a draw. And the second fight, I felt that I clearly beat him. I clearly beat him and I should have been on top on the points but for whatever reason, the judges - they saw a different fight that night."
On being the underdog:
"I think that life is full of surprises. This is what motivates me. This is what makes me train hard. When I wake up in the morning, it makes me want to train harder, run faster and longer.
"I'm going to be in better condition and I'm going to be focused 100%. These are the kind of fights that motivate me. I'm going to prove everybody wrong.
"Everything's going great. I have a great plan and I'm feeling a lot stronger already. I'm building up the right weight - not just to build up weight, but to build myself up and be very strong. I can feel the difference already.
"Obviously, I have a lot of heart. I'm Mexican. I like to get up there. I like to fight."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
"Marquez wants to challenge the best and that's why we're here - because he's challenging the best in Mayweather. We all know that Mayweather's the best fighter on the planet and therefore Marquez wanted to fight the best.
"The winner of this fight should be considered the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. We can make a strong argument for that.
"People are going to watch to see Mayweather lose in September because Marquez is that good."
"I felt more skill coming out of Mayweather than I did with Pacquiao. That's the reason why we named the fight Numero Uno/Number One - because they are fighting to see who the number one fighter is on the planet."
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"To the millions of fight fans who were so greatly waiting for his return - Floyd Mayweather is feeling better, everything is going well, he is back in training and he has shown a recommitment to the sport of boxing.
"Contrary to some reports, which probably originated from some promoters and people who are not involved with the fight, this fight is doing extremely well. It's shaping up to become one of the biggest non-heavyweight gates in Las Vegas history. Several of the price categories are sold out already."
"It will be the most covered weigh-in ever because everybody wants to know what the weight is. So make sure you don't miss it."
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Quaker State, Dewalt Tools, Affliction Clothing and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place Saturday, September 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT.
HBO's Emmy®-Award-winning all-access reality series "24/7" returns to HBO® with an all new edition as "Mayweather/Marquez 24/7" premieres Saturday, August 29 at 10:15 pm ET/PT. The four-episode series will chronicle the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their September 19 pay-per-view showdown.
Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, are on sale now. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets previously purchased for the July 18 date will be honored.
CONTACTS: Kelly Swanson/Jeremy Silkowitz, Swanson Communications/Mayweather Promotions, 202-783-5500 Ramiro Gonzalez/Monica Sears, Golden Boy Promotions, 213-489-5631 Scott Ghertner, MGM MIRAGE, 702-650-7565 Patrick Byrne, HBO Pay-Per-View, 212-512-1361 ____________________________________________________________________________________________
MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
May 18, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA at the LA Public Library
May 19, 200 9- New York City, NY at the Empire State Building
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
"July 18th you are going to see the best Floyd Mayweather, because I am truly back."
"My uncle Roger and I, we have a tremendous game plan, and I'm going to be more than ready for this fight. Training camp is going amazingly well. I am weighing in around 146 or 147 and I know I will be ready on July 18th."
"Marquez is a great Mexican warrior who is going to be in tremendous shape. He is a hell of a guy and he is a hell of a fighter."
"I like to hit, but I don't get hit. Marquez hits and gets hit. He seems used to it and still comes out on top 90 percent of the time."
"I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see."
"I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport."
"I've got nothing but love for the Mexican fans; they are some of the most loyal fans in boxing. Mexican fans really know boxing inside and out."
"I can't wait for this fight, and I am really dedicating myself to be ready for it."
"Please continue to support boxing. July 18, make sure you tune in. It's going to be a hell of a fight. I'm not overlooking Juan Manuel Marquez, and I hope he's not overlooking me. He knows I've been off awhile so he might think I'm rusty, but I'm not. I'll be ready."
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
"I am preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight."
"When Golden Boy Promotions asked me do you want to fight Floyd? I said 'yes let's do it.' I don't like easy fights."
"I know that this fight very important for my career and for my life, and I am going to be fully prepared on July 18th."
"I have a tough fight with Floyd, I'm training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn't exactly my weight but that only means I'll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas."
"My fans here and all of my fans in Mexico will help me come out on top, the support they have showed today and at the fan rally yesterday has been amazing."
"Everyone knows I don't like to talk outside of the ring, I do all of my talking inside of the ring."
ROGER MAYWEATHER, Trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
"I know what's going to happen, and I'm sure all of you know what's going to happen."
"Marquez is a good boxer, but in boxing it's about more than being good. Anyone can be good, but there are only a few out there that are great, and Floyd is a great boxer."
"The best boxers in the world come from where I'm from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he's one of the best."
"It's going to be a great fight and I know that this guy over here [Floyd] is going to come out on top."
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
"Now that Floyd is back, he has come back to take his crown. He is coming back to be the best out there and to be the best out there you have to beat a fighter like Marquez."
"Marquez fought two great fights against Pacquiao, and in the eyes of many beat him both times."
"As soon as tickets go on sale (this Friday), you need to get them because it is going to be a tremendous fight."
"Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has the greatest global impact of any fighter. In 2007 Floyd fought in the two biggest fights of the year."
"The reason Floyd is back is because he is in love with the sport; he's always been in love with it."
"No matter where he goes, fans are always coming up to him asking, 'When are you coming back?' Well, he's back now and is ready for this tremendous challenge."
"He has a lot to prove. There are always the naysayers out there who say he cant get back on top."
"He represents boxing to its fullest."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions
"This fight will pit the best fighter from the United States against the best fighter from Mexico.
"Styles make fights and Marquez's style will beat Floyd's on July 18th. With the support of all his fans, Marquez will come out on top."
"I don't care what people say, Marquez beat Pacquiao. He got knocked down three times and came back to win every round after that."
"Mayweather has beaten everyone he has ever fought. He retired as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and now he's returning to fight one of the best fighters in the world."
"Marquez has already been training in the mountains, and he is ready to go."
"This is truly a fight that the fans want to get behind. In my eyes, Mayweather is the best in the world, who is about to meet the number one Mexican fighter in the ring to duke it out and show who is truly number one."
RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"Fight fans around the world have been waiting for this for a long time. Floyd said he is coming back to fight the best and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best."
"Juan is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today on July 18th he will be carrying the hopes and dreams of 160 million people on his back, the people of Mexico."
"Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated and undisputed pound-for-pound champion. He is the number one pay-per-view star. With 250 million dollars, that is a quarter of a billion dollars, in receipts from his last two fights, Floyd Mayweather is definitely a star.
"July 18 is going to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year. It's called number one because everywhere you look you are surrounded by the best."
(To Floyd) "On behalf of the millions of fight fans around the world, thank you for coming back. You really bring energy to the sport of boxing."
"Even when he wasn't fighting he was a tremendous asset to the sport of boxing."
"Floyd talks the talk, but he does walk the walk as well? He has a huge group of people who love him and adore him and respect him for his accomplishments. Then he has the 'haters.' The people who cant wait to see him lose, but the good news is that both of those people will buy the pay-per-view."
"This really is the showdown between Number One and Numero Uno."
ROSS GREENBURG, President of HBO Sports
"Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that roared, is back and he is going into the lions den."
"I have seen Marquez in the ring and in rounds 6-12, you better watch out."
"Move over Paris Hilton and the Kardishians; Donald Trump, empty out the boardroom, and survivors get off the island because Money Mayweather is back on 24/7 and the first episode premiers June 27th."
"We will load you up again with 24/7's all access. We are always excited when Floyd Mayweather is part of the series. We are also excited to go down to Mexico to join Juan Manuel Marquez. All access 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Whatever it takes, we will be there."
MARK TAFFET, Senior Vice President of HBO Sports and HBO Pay-Per-View
"The year 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for boxing. In January, we had a great fight in Margarito vs. Mosley. Then we had Marquez vs. Diaz, which was an impressive fight, and a few weeks back we had Pacquiao vs. Hatton."
"In Mayweather vs. Marquez, we have one guy that is returning to the ring while the other is more ready than ever. One that is representing the United States and the other that has Mexico on his back. One has had six world championships in five weight classes and the other has held five world championships in three weight divisions."
"Mayweather vs. Marquez is one of those events you will not want to miss."
BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM MIRAGE
"Representing the MGM Family and having this fight at the historical MGM Grand Garden Arena, we are elated."
"We have now had a long association with Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya and they keep making better and better fights."
"We've had both fighters fight at the arena a few times before and every time we did they had some great fights. I don't think there is any question that this will be a sellout."
Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.HBO Pay-Per-View® a division of Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO®, HBO PPV® and related programs, channels and services are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.
CONTACTS:
Kelly Swanson/Jeremy Silkowitz, Swanson Communications/ Mayweather Promotions 202-783-5500
Ramiro Gonzalez/Monica Sears, Golden Boy Promotions 213-489-5631
Stephanie Heller, MGM MIRAGE 702-650-7510
Patrick Byrne, HBO Pay-Per-View 212-512-1361
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Mayweather vs Marquez
"Number One/Numero Uno"
Six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd "Money" Mayweather will return to the ring July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada when he takes on five-time world champion in three divisions Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez 50-4-1, 37 Ko's. Mayweather vs Marquez is being promoted as "Number One/Numero Uno."
Prior to his “retirement” Money Mayweather was considered boxing’s top fighter pound for pound. Manny Pacquiao stepped in the vacated spot with his win over Oscar DeLahoya and his total destruction of Ricky Hatton. Juan Manuel Marquez fought Manny Pacquiao twice the first fight called a draw and Pacquiao winning a close split decision rematch. A win over Mayweather could propel Marquez to the top of the list and set up a long awaited third Pacquio bout.
A victory for the undefeated Mayweather 39-0, 25 Ko’s who also holds wins over Hatton and DeLahoya could pave the way for one of boxings true mega bouts, a showdown with Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather vs. Marquez has the potential to be one of boxing's all-time great fights matching two technicians in their prime and mega boxing showdown awaiting the victor.
"Number One/Numero Uno" is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions. The 12-round battle will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $600, $300 and $150, not including applicable service charges, go on sale Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. PT. Ticket sales at $1,000, $750, $600 and $300 are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person, with a total ticket limit of 10 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. "Number One/Numero Uno" will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.
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Mind Games or Negotiations
Mayweather / Marquez Pounds Apart!
By: Jason Sardelis
After I saw Floyd Mayweather Jr. doing a line less AT&T commercial I was certain we would see today’s top pound for pound fighter soon. The word reaching the front is Mayweather whether do to money / tax problems or just missing the lime light will return to fight Juan Manuel Marquez tentatively June 18th in Vegas. Considering Mayweather’s recent rounds with the IRS it s not dollars and cents holding up the top rated match but a catch weight.
Mayweather wants the fight to be at welterweight (147lbs) while Marquez the WBA/WBO lightweight champion (135lbs) wants the fight to be at light-welter. Team Marquez is looking forward to Mayweather as they feel Pacquiao is not interested in a third meeting. The met twice, the first being a controversial draw in 2004 when Marquez picked himself up off the deck three times in the first round to go on to earn a draw. There was some question in the scoring as no one scored the first round 10-6. The second meeting was a close split decision where Pacquiao was hurt in the second round and Marquez hit the deck in the third many felt Marquez held a slight edge.
Putting the “Pac Man” aside now Marquez is willing to go up to 144lbs and Mayweather has stated he will come down to 145lbs. Is the one or two pound difference big enough to keep the fight off the calendar or just round one of the never ending mind games we boxing fans have grown to love.
Marquez has stopped Juan Diaz and Joel Casamoayor since his split decision loss to “Pac Man” while “Money” Mayweather has been “retired” since his December 2007 10th round stoppage of “The Hitman.” This match-up would be the perfect set up for the winners of Pacquiao/ Hatton and Marquez/ Mayweather to meet, we can only hope they pound it out.
