By Sam Gregory: In the highly anticipated main event undisputed lightweight champion of the world Juan Manuel Marquez 50-4-1 (36 KO’s) is challenged by 25 year old Houston, Texan Juan “The Baby Bull” Diaz 34-2 (17) for Marquez’ lightweight title. This was Marquez’ second time to fight at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds.
This fight was to find out who is the best lightweight in the world.
From the opening bell both fighters fought from the center of the ring trading punches and going toe to toe; it was clear from the start both men were in for a battle tonight.
Early in the fight Diaz had the champion backed into the ropes as the challenger unleashed some nasty uppercuts to the head and body. Diaz looked like he did before his lose to Nate Campbell.
Diaz took his fight to Marquez, pushing him back and landing clean aggressive punches. Diaz imposed his will through the middle rounds but both men were fighting at a higher pace and skill level. By round five a cut opened above the right eye of Marquez.
By round seven Compubox statistics showed that Juan Diaz had thrown more power punches at Marquez up until that point in the fight than Marquez had received in any of his professional fights altogether. In the eighth round Diaz was caught by a left hook that opened a cut above his left eye.
In the ninth round Marquez picked up the pace backing Diaz into a corner and landed a combination that dropped Diaz. After one more attempt Diaz was dropped for the count in 2:40 of the ninth round. Juan Manuel Marquez won the fight by a knockout and retained the lightweight title.
Marquez improves his record to 50-4 with 37 knockouts. Juan Diaz falls to 34-2 (17) losing his first fight by a knockout.
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