By Sam Gregory: In recent years the welterweight division has been in the spotlight of professional boxing. And for good reason, much of the talent in today’s boxing is in the 147 pound weight class. But just 12 pounds south of the welterweights is the division that has historically been home to some of the greatest fighters to lace up a pair of gloves. Benny Leonard, Joe Gans, Roberto Duran and Pernell Whitaker are just a few who have displayed their talent in the 135 pound division.
This February the lightweight division will once again be in the spotlight of professional boxing.
On February 14th, the number one lightweight contender Nate Campbell 32-5-1 will put his WBA, WBO and IBF titles on the line against the number nine contender in the lightweight division, 30-1-2 Ali Funeka.
Than on February 28th, undisputed lightweight champion of the world, Juan Manuel Marquez will put his title on the line against the three time lightweight champion Juan Diaz at the Toyota Center in Diaz’ hometown of Houston, Texas to be televised live on HBO. This fight is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. This fight is for the undisputed lightweight championship of the world.
The 34-1 Juan Diaz’ has a single loss on his record came from a split decision he lost to the number one contender in the 135 pound division Nate Campbell in March of 2008. Juan Manuel Marquez is going into this fight with a record of 49 wins, 36 by KO, 4 lost and 1 draw. This fight will mark the second time in his career Marquez fought at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. Marquez’ first fight at 135 pounds was last September when he stopped the former undisputed lightweight champion Joel Casamayor in 11 rounds.
35-year old Juan Manuel Marquez fought his first professional fight in May of 1993; he lost that fight by way of a first round disqualification. Being in the league of fighters that lost their first pro fight Marquez is in good company. Other notable fighters to win titles after they lost their pro debut include Bernard Hopkins, Alexis Arguello, Billy Conn and Henry Armstrong.
25 year old Juan Diaz fought his first pro fight at the age of 16 in the Jr welterweight division in June of 2000. Diaz won his pro debut and went undefeated including winning the IBF, WBA, and WBO lightweight titles until he suffered his first pro defeat at the hands of Nate Campbell in March of 08’. In his first fight after losing his lightweight titles Diaz won a split decision for the vacated IBO lightweight title against Australia’s 23-0 Michael Katsidis.
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