Marquez Could Return in Mexico City Before Big Fight

By Salvador Rodriguez

Promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions has revealed that former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) is very interested in returning to action in Mexico City, and then looking for a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley in the second half of 2014. Marquez, 40-years-old, told Beltran that he wants to fight at least two more times.

Marquez last fought in Mexico City in April of 2012, when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Sergey Fedchenko to capture the WBO junior welterweight championship.

“We are in contact. He is looking for a rematch with Bradley and we are intending to do a fight in Mexico. The Mexican fans deserve the opportunity to see him. [The fight in Mexico] would happen before the rematch with Bradley. We do not have anyone specific [in mind for the opponent], but we are sure it will be a highly rated opponent,” Beltran said.

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=72653

Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39KOs) is not looking past his next oppnent, Eastern Euro boxer Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs) of Ukraine. The clash happens on April 14th at the new Arena Mexico in Mexico City – for the vacant interim-WBO junior welterweight title.

Over the weekend, Juan Manuel went through another hard day of training, going six hard rounds in sparring with Alejandro Barrera, Luis Acuña and Aaron Herrera, which resulted in a big ovation from the ringside observers at the Romanza Gym.

“Fedchenko looks like a respectable opponent. One thing I do not do [is come into a fight overconfident]. You know, confidence can kill a man. I abused [confidence] in the first fight against Manny Pacquiao. I went out to attack him in the first round, and I was connecting well – but then suddenly he sent me to the canvas. And there wasn’t just a [single knockdown], but three in one round. From the second round on, I decided to box and [he couldn’t hit me anymore]. And I think I won the fight on points, but I was robbed with a draw,” Marquez said.

Marquez’s trainer, Nacho Beristain, is confident that his boxer will figure Fedchenko out.

“We know who Fedchenko is. [We have] references, videos of his fights, and everything indicates that he is a skilled boxer, difficult. But its not the first time that we’ve fought with a [difficult opponent] and found [ways to win]. When we spoke about this fight, the first thing we said is that we must be well prepared for any surprises.

“There is not such thing as a small opponent, just like there is no such thing as an invincible adversary.”

By Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51560

Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39KOs) will evaluate the future of his career with each passing fight. On April 14th at the new arena in Mexico City, Marquez will face Ukrainian Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs) for the WBO’s interim-junior welterweight title. If he wins, he plans to return on July 14th in Texas, and then hopes to close 2012 with a fourth meeting against Manny Pacquiao in the month of November.

He is very motivated at the moment for Fedchenko, which gives the Mexican legend the opportunity to capture a fourth world title.

“It motivates me a lot to go for my fourth divisional world championship. I have collected three, and now I am going for the fourth, at junior welterweight under the WBO. I’m no youngster, but I want to continue boxing. Right now, I can’t say if I’ll have two more fights or five more. I’m going to take things [fight by fight] and I’ll see how my body responds,” Marquez said.

Marquez expects a tough battle with Fedchenko in April. He invited Pacquiao to attend the fight, but doubts he will be there.

“He will be one of the toughest opponents of my career. I am very motivated to fight in Mexico City. I have to win because then great things will come,” Marquez said.

By Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51155

Márquez volverá a presentarse en la capital mexicana (Foto: Mexsport)

MÉXICO — Con bombos y platillos fue presentada la pelea del 14 de abril entre Juan Manuel Márquez, quien reaparecerá luego de 18 años en la capital del país enfrentando al ucraniano Serhiy Fedchenko, aunque esta pelea podría ser únicamente de trámite para un nuevo enfrentamiento ante Many Pacquiao, que podría realizarse en noviembre.

Sobre su encuentro del 14 de abril, ninguno de los dos ha perdido por nocaut; un mexicano de 38 años frente a un europeo de 31 en la Arena Ciudad de México. El escenario de Azcapotzalco, la Nueva Arena de la Ciudad de México tiene un aforo de más de 20 mil personas y por vez primera recibe un espectáculo de su tipo, tras haberse inaugurado el pasado 25 de febrero con un concierto del cantante Luis Miguel.

Estará en juego el título de peso súper ligero de la OMB (Organización Mundial de Boxeo), el cual tiene la interrogante de si será interino o absoluto; en los próximos días quedará definido.

“El cuerpo me dirá cuándo es mi retiro”, afirmó en conferencia de prensa Juan Manuel Márquez, quien tuvo en primera fila a su esposa y a sus hijos como su mayor apoyo.

La familia no quiso perderse el anuncio de la segunda pelea del año del púgil, que espera cerrarlo ante el filipino Manny Pacquiao en noviembre.

Fernando Beltrán, presidente de Promociones Zanfer, aseguró: “La pelea entre Márquez y Pacquiao va. Todo está listo para noviembre. Sólo es cuestión de pasar algunas barreras”.

Lo cierto es que el Dinamita por el momento sólo se alista para su combate del 14 de abril. Para El 14 de julio está confirmada otra pelea, que podría ser ante el estadounidense Lamont Peterson.

Rodeado por organizadores del evento, patrocinadores, colaboradores y gente de plena confianza como su mánager Ignacio Beristáin, Márquez manifestó sentirse muy contento por regresar a la capital del país para demostrar que es el mejor peleador mexicano en este momento.

“Los boxeadores europeos tienen un estilo muy difícil; hay que descifrarlos en cada round. Voy a prepararme muy bien para ganar esa pelea. Tuve una gran preparación con Pacquiao y esta vez no será la excepción”, prometió Márquez, mientras sostenía en sus piernas a su hijo Juan Emilio, quien mención aparte- ya le ha dicho que cuando sea grande también quiere ser boxeador. “Yo no quiero porque se sufre mucho. Ojala que no lo vea ahorita Fernando Beltrán porque de inmediato querrá firmarlo”, bromeó.

SE SIENTE DE 18 AÑOS
Siguiendo por la misma línea, señaló que “me siento de 18 años, me siento capaz de seguir peleando. Pero uno pone y Dios dispone; no vaya a llegar el diablo a descomponerlo todo”.

Por ende, hoy reflexiona sobre su idea de retirarse en este 2012 como lo había adelantado meses atrás. “Le haré caso a mi cuerpo; si al final del año me dice que debo irme, lo haré. Hoy quiero tener un gran regreso ante mi gente”, agregó el chilango.

Ante la pregunta de si el reto es ganar por nocaut en la capital, señaló: “Me prepararé a todo lo que da. Si llega, bienvenido. Tengo en puerta una complicada pelea. No me dormiré en mis laureles. No le daré confianza a nadie”, aseguró Márquez, quien no descartó intervenir de alguna manera en las siguientes semanas en la política.

A la pelea serán invitados personalidades del boxeo, campeones mundiales, como el estadounidense Timothy Bradley.

Por Graciela Reséndiz
ESPNdeportes.com

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=1492044&s=box&type=story

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO. – Juan Manuel Marquez officially announced his return this April 14 at the Mexico City Arena, achieving his dream to fight again in the land of his birth after 19 years of not appearing in the area. Marquez, who will face Sergey Fedchenko, Marquez appeared with his coach Don Ignacio Beristían, assistant trainer Angel Heredia, the director of Zanfer Promotions, Fernando Beltran, Director of Azteca 7, Rodrigo Fernandez, Head of Public Relations at the Arena Mexico City, Alejandro Arce and COO of Zanfer, Guillermo Brito.

“It’s a great motivation to be home, very satisfying and also a great responsibility,” said Marquez, who faces Fedchenko for the vacant interim-junior welterweight title of the World Boxing Organization.

“I’ve prepared well enough, it’s is a tough fight, but I want to have a great fight on April 14 to show everyone how proud I am of being Mexican and fight again at home.”

“I am proud to still be the coach of this great athlete. We hope that the 14th, we will present the fans in Mexico with a boxing lesson,” said Nacho Beristain, a member of the Hall Fame of New York.

Fernando Beltran let it be known that if Juan Manuel Marquez wins this fight, he will appear on July 14th at Cowboys Stadium.

“We want to continue making history,” said Beltran, who expects over 20,000 fans. “I am proud to have the opportunity to present the best fighter in the world today, Juan Manuel Marquez, at the Arena Mexico City. I expect to exceed the number of attendees.”

He said that among the special guests at the event that evening – Rafael Marquez, Ulises Solis, Omar Chavez, Hernan Marquez, Juan Carlos Sanchez, Jacqueline Nava, Moises Fuentes, Jorge Arce and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., addition of Timothy Bradley and Nonito Donaire.

By Rafael Soto

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=51130

On April 14, Ukrainian boxer Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13 KOs) will battle future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs) for the interim WBO light welterweight title at the New Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. This news has become a big sensation in Ukraine and Fedchenko has drawn the attention of reporters and millions of boxing fans. Although Marquez is a fearsome opponent, the 30-year-old Fedchenko is also a very experienced boxer, who is technically solid and a very strong puncher.

“For me, it was unexpected news,” said Fedchenko. “To fight against Marquez is a great honor for me. I am happy that Juan give me a chance. The only problem is little time to prepare for battle. But I’ll make sure that on the day of the fight I’ll be in the best shape of my career.”

Sergey started his professional career in 2002. In the early years, he was fighting against unknown fighters, but all that changed when he became promoted by the Klitschko brothers. In 2008 he won his first championship, the IBF Inter-Continental belt, when he knocked out Argentine journeyman Juan Alberto Godoy. But a year later, the Ukrainian lost a close twelve round decision against South African sensation Kaizer Mabuza.

Many think the fight could be a mismatch, but Sergei disagrees. “I know that I can surprise Marquez,” he stated. “He’s an excellent counter puncher, but I’m technical, I’m smart and I’m fast. For this I received the nickname of “The Professor”. I’ve seen Marquez-Pacquiao. It was great. But I’ve also seen Mayweather-Marquez. Floyd beat him with technique and speed. He’s very smart and I am too. Do I think I’ll win on the scorecards in Mexico? Probably not. So I need to be active. I’m willing to take risks and give Marquez a spectacular fight. Now for me it’s important to prepare well for the fight. I should be well prepared physically. It’s very important to me so I can fight at a fast pace for twelve rounds. This is the most important fight of my life. This is my first fight for a world title and my opponent Juan Manuel Marquez. It’s unbelievable.”

Since the Mabuza fight, Sergey’s most notable wins were against former champion DeMarcus Corley fast Frenchman Willy Blain (whose only other loss was to Lamont Peterson). But Fedchenko is now ready for new heights.

“I know that the predictions of experts and the bookmakers are on the side of Marquez. This is my chance, as it was in Rocky Balboa. Remember that? I want to fight it. No one believed him, but he was able to make a sensation. I can do it too. Each of us when he goes into the ring only wants one thing – to win. I want to win. I have faith. If I didn’t believe that I could beat Marquez, I wouldn’t agree to fight him.”

By Alexey “Oscar” Potapov
Photo: K2 Ukraine

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/fedchenko-vows-rocky-balboa-performance-111236

Three division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6, 39KOs) is taking no chances with his upcoming fight on April 14th in Mexico City. Marquez will face Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs) of Ukraine for the vacant interim-WBO 140-pound title.

Marquez was originally scheduled to take on Argentine boxer Cesar Rene Cuenca, who is unbeaten with 42 wins, but only a single knockout on his record. Cuenca fell through and Fedchenko stepped in. Marquez believes Fedchenko is a very dangerous opponent, and certainly more dangerous than Cuenca.

Because Cuenca and Fedchenko present two completely different styles, Marquez and his trainer, Nacho Beristain, have to scramble to secure new sparring partners, study new tapes and change their entire fight strategy.

“I think the public will gain from the change of opponent. Against Rene Cuenca, of Argentina, [I had] a boxer with a tough style. With Fedchenko, who I know is from Ukraine, I have a very strong fighter who is always looking to get a knockout. He has a good punch, and his history reflects that. He has 30 wins, one loss and thirteen of his wins have been by knockout. He has faced the best in the world, he’s a very strong fighter and he has shown resilience. I’m definitely going to have a very dangerous opponent,” Marquez said.

By Miguel Rivera, notifight.com

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50791

As BoxingScene.com reported on Wednesday, a new opponent was being pursued for Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KOs), after Argentine boxer Cesar Cuenca (42-0, 1KO) fell out. The new opponent for Marquez is Ukrainian Sergey Fedchenko (30-1, 13KOs). Marquez’s trainer, Nacho Beristain, confirmed the information to BoxingScene. The fight takes place for the vacant WBO interim-140-pound title on April 14th at the new arena in Mexico City.

“In the end we are left with Fedchenko, who is more of a come forward fighter, and likes to mix it up a lot more [than Cuenca],” said Beristain after analyzing some Fedchenko videos.

Fedchenko European champion of the World Boxing Organization. He last fought on February 18 in Germany, beating Laszlo Fasekas over eight rounds. His last defeat came in September 2009 and since then he accumulated seven wins, two of them by knockout.

Nacho indicated that Marquez’s camp will have to change, regarding the sparring partners and the fight strategy, but he feels confident there is enough time to make the necessary adjustments. Marquez will get help from ‘Joya’ Herrera, Gilberto González, Juan Montiel, Alejandro Barrera and José Pinzón.

By Salvador Rodriguez

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=50668