By Mark Phillips: When looking towards Manuel Marquez’s July 18th bout held at 144 pounds against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, one must wonder whether physics has already played a huge role in determining the outcome; with 144 being a number not to be ignored.
Though both fighters are universally recognised as two of the best pound for pounders on the planet, with Mayweather Jnr. (39-0, 25 KO’s) formerly dominating the number #1 top spot and Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO’s) more recently moving up to number #2, it is unlikely that Mayweather will see the best of his opponent on the night who is billed in the fights promotion as ‘numero uno’.
This is due to the fact that Marquez, though being unquestionably a great fighter who has been successful at super feather weight and in his recent move up to 135 at lightweight where he stopped former IBF/WBA/WBO Champion Juan Diaz in a 9th round stoppage, still faces the possibility that the jump up to the agreed weight of 144 may be simply too much.
This weight increase may cause a loss in speed and movement for Marquez, both being attributes which he needs to maintain and use with affect when establishing his renowned counterpunching style which could be a strong part of his arsenal against Mayweather, if he is able to pick his moments where he can trade his shots in close. Additionally, many experts have also pointed at the natural size difference between the two fighters, arguing that this factor along with the 144 limit will ultimately lead to an inevitable victory for Mayweather, who has fought comfortably at just a few pounds heavier at welterweight for years.
However, though many experts alike have already assumed a Mayweather victory drawn from pointing to his overt statistical advantages mainly due to his refusal to not budge far in weight, Marquez cannot be out ruled against the former pound for pound king.
It cannot be forgotten that Mayweather has been out of the ring for close to two years and may well bear some if only a little ring rust, compared to his counterpart Marquez, who has been actively busy pushing his way both through tough opponents and up to another weight class. It can also not be overlooked that, if Marquez can perform well at 144, he may possess certain strengths that could put real pressure on his opponent.
These strengths could be that of which Mayweather’s last opponent Ricky Hatton lacked and did not have within him. If Marquez can controllably push forward gradually in the fight asserting himself, whilst filling the gaps of Hatton’s style by applying his greater technical ability and ever important skills in counterpunching, then Marquez may well be a force to be reckoned with.
If Marquez can also generate an increase in power behind his shots, which he insists he will have due to his training in which he will be lifting rocks to gain extra strength and muscle to make the weight, then he might just be a fighter that Mayweather is forced to respect come fight night. In regards to weight factors determining this fight, another fact cannot be overlooked.
Just look at Marquez’s nemesis, two time opponent and controversial two time victor Manny Pacquaio, who has shown no deterioration in both speed and power or subsequent weight difficulties when moving up to 147 to fight and stop Oscar Dela Hoya and also Ricky Hatton at 140. This is a good example of how Marquez, who once mixed with the likes of Pacquaio in the lower weight classes of super featherweight, could successfully adapt and still be effective at the higher weight against Mayweather.
Whether the sceptics will rule supreme in their criticisms over the uneven slope of the scales and the size of both fighters, or whether Marquez can prove them wrong and apply himself well at 144, one thing is for sure: Marquez is a tough intelligent craftsman not to be overlooked, who will be looking to fight his fight, fulfilling his Mexican warrior legacy and further his pursuit at getting even with rival, Pacquaio.
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