Juan Manuel Marquez stripped of WBA lightweight title

By Boxing News - 01/05/2012 - Comments

Image: Juan Manuel Marquez stripped of WBA lightweight titleBy Allen Fox: Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) had his World Boxing Association lightweight title stripped from him by the WBA on Thursday, as it’s been 18 months since the 38-year-old Marquez last defended the strap in a fight against.

Marquez will likely have his WBO lightweight title stripped soon as well, because he hasn’t defended that belt in ages as well and plans on moving up in weight to fight at light welterweight.

Marquez defended his WBA title last against Michael Katsidis in November 2010 in an easy 9th round TKO victory.

Now that the WBA title is vacant, the #1 contender is Richard Abril, #2 Jorge Linares, #3 Brandon Rios, #4 Yuriorkis Gamboa. Linares was recently stopped by Antonio DeMarco in the 11th round in October 2011, so he’s not a good choice for the No.2 spot in light of that defeat.

Marquez is looking to get a rematch with WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, who he lost to last November in a controversial 12 round decision. If Marquez can’t get the rematch with Pacquiao, he will try and line up a fight with WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. Marquez only wants big fights from here on out and doesn’t want to be weighed down with holding down a title that requires him to defend it against non-stars.

Marquez is one of four fighters that Pacquiao is evaluating with his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank for his next fight in April or May 2012. Marquez might not get the rematch because he wants too much money and has specific venues where he wants to fight that run counter to Pacquiao and Arum’s wishes.



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