Floyd Mayweather will have measure of Marquez

IN arguably the biggest fight of the year, Floyd Mayweather comes out of retirement to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19.

Many believe Marquez, who is in the pound-for-pound top three, will have the measure of the Pretty Boy as he has been more active.

Mayweather has not fought since defeating Ricky Hatton almost two years ago, but for me he is the firm favourite and will take a unanimous decision over the Mexican warrior.

Marquez (50-4 37KOs) and Mayweather (39-0 25KOs) have held 10 world titles between them and ooze class.

However, Marquez believes his dogged determination will see him through.

“Well, the strategy is what you have use to counter the speed, the youth and the bigger fighters is the strategy that I’ve always used in my fights and it will be again here,” said the 36-year-old.

“A lot of intelligence and a lot of the skill is what has brought me to where I’m at today.

“It’s a very hard fight, but mentally I’m preparing myself to win and I feel I can beat Mayweather.”

He added: “Winning will be the gift of my life. 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.”

Mayweather agrees with the last part of his opponent’s statement, but believes he has the measure of any boxer between lightweight and middleweight.

He said: “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 going down in history as one of the best, one of the best of all time, if not the best.

“I’m just happy to be back in the sport of boxing. My team is ready, I’m ready. I’m just going to go out there and perform.”

Mayweather, 32, added: “I am just happy to say that I’m going down as a Hall of Famer and it’s extremely important for me to go out there to perform well and dominate.

“If Marquez gets beat in 12 rounds or he gets knocked out, they are still going to love him in his country because he had the chance to face the best. They will say: ‘You lost but you lost to the best.”

Mayweather will win, and probably on points, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he took Marquez out around the ninth round.

Source: dailypost.co.uk