The next two parts of this 5 part series introduces us to the boxers involved. At this point, all you want to do is gather information and not worry too much about analyzing it. You'll catch yourself making snap judgements, like, wow he's old or he has no experience, but push those thoughts into a little holding cell in your head until Part 4 when we pit each boxer's characteristics against the other. For now, you are on a fact finding mission and the more facts you can find, the better.
Be wary of opinion. There are plenty of people out there dying to tell you who is going to win a fight, especially as the fight gets closer to happening. Don't rush into judgement, but look objectively and understand the motivation and history of each fighter. Then when you really get down to analyzing who is going to prevail on a given night, you will be in a far superior position to do so.
Juan Manuel MarquezSo, let's get to know Juan Manuel Marquez -- shall we?
First, we start off with the obvious - small talk - types of questions. Things like weight, age, height -- the physical characteristics of the boxer.
Juan Manuel Marquez just turned 34 (birthday was 23 Aug, 1973) and he's been boxing for the last 13 years. (see, at this point, I could deduce he is old and nearing the end of his career -- this is the kind of thought you don't want to let hamper your analysis. It is in an opinion and it could be flawed. Maybe he is actually peaking and not on a downslide. This is something you have to find out.) His record stands at 47 wins, 3 losses, 1 draw with 35 KOs. He fights in the featherweight division meaning he has to fight at a maximum of 126lbs. Marquez stands somewhere between 5 feet 5 and 5 foot 7 inches high (two conflicting sources). He fights orthodox.
Next, take a peek into his background and experience.
Juan Manuel Marquez Mendez is a Mexican boy, born in Mexico City, Mexico. He goes by the nickname of Dinamita (not unlike Dynamite). He is the current reigning WBF Super Featherweight Title Holder and has had three different titles in his career. The other two were in 2003, the IBF Featherweight after defeating Maneul Medina in the 7th round, and the WBA title after defeating Derrick Gainer later that same year. He lost both belts in 2005. However, on 17 Mar 2007 he defeated Marco Antonio Barrera by unanimous decision to put him where he is at right now. The fight on 15 Sep vs Juarez will be his first title defense. (Note for future: Juarez is a sub. Marquez was supposed to fight Jorge Rodrigo Barrios, who withdrew.)
In the amateurs, starting when he was 13, he had a 35-1 record with two Golden Gloves tournament wins.
Consider how much of an impact boxing has been in his life. Find out when and where he has really been tested. Does he have a fighter's heart?
Marquez grew up around boxing his entire life. He entered the gym at the age of 8 and his father was a professional boxer with 35 of his own fights. One of his eight brothers, Rafael Marquez is a former Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight champion. His greatest battle to date was with Manny Pacquiao which ended in a draw, but boosted Marquez reputation in the boxing world. He was knocked down three times in the first round, got up, adjusted, and dominated the rest of the fight, but was unable to secure a victory. Someday, there will be a rematch, guaranteed. (apparently it's a done deal and will be in Vegas in February) His title shot losses to Frankie Norwood in 1999 and Chris John in 2006 were both highly controversial - never a clear cut loss. Each time, he came back determined, won the next fights he had and moved on to another title shot. He is coming off a 5 Aug, 7 round stoppage of Thailand's Terdsak Jandaeng.
Marquez signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions after leaving Bob Arum following his loss to Chris Johns. He is known for his technical precision and knockout power. His fight with Pacquaio showed his will to win. The fight is being broadcast on HBO Pay per View.
When you have collected all the information you can on your fighter, then look in the not so obvious places. A few extra goodies I found on Marquez include:
1. Watch a 3-round fight he had with a writer. The writer was a Sports Illustrated writer who challenged Marquez and Marquez accepted. He didn't exactly take it easy on him either. (or perhaps he did, but his idea of taking it easy would kill normal people).
2. Here's the 9th round knockout of Jimrex Jaca:
3. And a highlight reel of his last fight in Thailand.
So that is the goal of getting to know the boxers. Find everything you can about them and their training. For Marquez, I would continue and research his training as I haven't done a lot of that yet. Find out who his trainer is and what he has been doing in preparation for this fight especially.The more facts you can pull together, the better a picture of the boxer you will begin to see. Do you know anything about Marquez? Start adding comments below with your info - especially his training for this fight. See what you can dig up on him? Has been giving any press releases/appearances lately bad mouthing his opponent? Anything, anything...
Get boxing tips, techniques, reviews, and more direct to your inbox, plus as an added bonus get a FREE copy of the Muscle Gain Bootcamp just for subscribing.
Fight Club
Boxing Schedule
Boxing Results
Boxing Links
Progress Reports
Boxing Videos
Boxing Forums
Live Boxing
