Philippine Sports News and Updates

Another blockbuster boxing match is set to take the spotlight when Floyd Mayweather, Jr. makes his comeback to face Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18.

With this mega fight, Mark Taffet, senior vice president of HBO Sports and HBO Pay-Per-View said in a press conference, “The year 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for boxing,” quoted PhilBoxing.com.

“In January, we had a great fight in Margarito vs. Mosley. Then we had Marquez vs. Diaz, which was an impressive fight, and a few weeks back we had Pacquiao vs. Hatton.”

American Shane Mosley won the WBA welterweight championship on Jan. 24 after defeating Mexican Antonio Margarito. Marquez beat Mexican-American Juan Diaz by knockout on Feb. 28. “Dinamita” gained the IBO lightweight championship belt. Manny Pacquiao posted a sensational win via a second round knockout of Briton Ricky Hatton on May 2.

“In Mayweather vs. Marquez, we have one guy that is returning to the ring while the other is more ready than ever,” Taffet said.

Sellout no doubt

Meanwhile, Bob Halloran, MGM Mirage director of sports, noted, “I don't think there is any question that this will be a sellout.”

“We've had both fighters fight at the arena a few times before and every time we did they had some great fights,” commented Halloran.

Marquez will go into the ring to fight in Mexico’s name while Mayweather will represent the United States.

Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound king, has six world championships in five weight classes under his belt.

Marquez meantime is a three-division champion with five world titles, Taffet noted.

The July 18 fight called “Mayweather vs. Marquez: Number One/Numero Uno” will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions.

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