‘Juanma’ Lopez Now Defends Against Rafael Marquez on Nov. 6

Added on Sep 01, 2010 by Brian Blake in

Boxing

Originally WBO Featherweight Champion Juan Manuel Lopez was set to defend his crown on September 18 before an injury suffered by the challenger, Rafael Marquez, forced the bout to postponed.

“Fortunately, my thumb injury did not prevent me from continuing my conditioning, including running daily,” said Marquez, who proved his durability in an epic four fight series with Israel Vazquez. “I am extremely grateful that my fight with Juan Manuel Lopez was rescheduled so quickly. On November 6, JuanMa and I have a date with destiny. I can’t wait.”

Marquez may not be able to wait, but fans of the sweet science will have to, as Top Rank recently announced that the Showtime televised world title clash from MGM Grand Garden Arena will now take place on Saturday, November 6th.

“This has become the most important fight of my career,” Marquez said.

Rafael Marquez, a native of Mexico City, is no stranger to important bouts as he claimed his first world title at the age of 28 where he stopped Tim Austin in the eighth round of their 2003 IBF Super Bantamweight championship bout.

He sucessfully defended his title over the next three and a half years before adding the divisions WBC strap to his resume in the first of four epic meeting he would have share with Israel Vazquez. The pair of pugilists split their sensational series at two win apiece.

Now, he looks to add Lopez’ featherweight title to the list of hardware he has already claimed. If successful against Lopez, Rafael and brother Juan Manuel will become the first siblings to win world titles in three different weight classes.

Lopez, on the other hand, looks to make sure that he goes back home to Puerto Rico with not only his WBO featherweight belt, but his impressive unbeaten intact.

His last win came against Filipino challenger, Bernabe Concepcion in a thrilling two round brawl that had both fighters hitting the deck before Lopez stopped Concepcion back in July. It was a big win for him, but he knows that a win over Marquez will be a much bigger feat.

“I’m looking forward to showing my skills against a great champion like Rafael Marquez, one of the all-time greats and a future Hall of Famer,’’ Lopez said. “It will be the biggest fight of my career.”