Michael Loccisano - Getty Images
Juan Manuel Marquez is close to finalizing his April tune-up fight, likely against Cesar Cuenca of Argentina. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
With David Diaz deciding he's not up for an April fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, and may be ready to retire, Argentina's Cesar Cuenca has emerged as the likely opponent, according to Sal Rodriguez.
Cuenca, 31, is a homebody who has never fought tough opposition while running up a record of 42-0...with one knockout win. Yes: 42-0 (1 KO). One. One knockout. It came in June 2005, over Andres Villafane.
Marquez is doing his best here, but, well:
"Going by his record, I believe that he'll be difficult, a good boxer and fast. If he's ranked in the first position [by the WBO], he must have done something."
Marquez, 38, says that he doesn't know anything about Cuenca and will be relying on YouTube to study him. To put it lightly, Marquez is not going to have any trouble with this guy at all. Even if you believe Cuenca is a legitimately good boxer, Marquez is a legitimately great boxer. Now take out any remote possibility that Cuenca can hurt Marquez, and what do you have?
Obviously this is just a tune-up fight meant to lead to something bigger, and Marquez is still hoping to face Manny Pacquiao again later this year, which could very well happen. He doesn't want to risk something big, but he also doesn't want to fall out of shape at his age. He's saying this will be his final year in the sport, and he wants to go out with his head up.
Rodriguez says the fight is headed to Morelia, Chiapas or Cancun, rather than the originally rumored Mexico City, where Abner Mares will be facing Eric Morel on the same date, live on Showtime.
0 recs | 19 comments
I hope Bradley beats Pacquiao for a lot of reasons but one of them is so I an see Bradley-Marquez. JMM’s earned a fourth Pacquiao shot but I already have him up 2-1, would rather see something different from him if he’s going to retire.
theninthlayer - February 15, 2012
i’d rather see a 4th fight as the 3rd was really good, and marquez deserves the payday
sherwoodallan - February 15, 2012
Does this have any chance to be picked up by one of the smaller networks? Azteca or something. I figured that there is no chance that HBO picks this mismatch up considering the solid showtime card. Not exactly the kind of fight I want to see for JMM’s second or third to last fight…
Waldo Rastel - February 15, 2012
It could wind up on Top Rank Live.
Scott Christ - February 15, 2012
42-0 wow!
2% K.O. ratio Cuenca. They could’ve found someone a little more noteworthy for Marquez to fight -jus sayn.
Brandon Rico - February 15, 2012
From Wikipedia: “Cuenca was born with the rare pillowitis condition, which meant he developed pillows for hands at a very young age. Despite this physical disadvantage, Cuenca has taken to the sport of boxing and has an undefeated record.” – Wikipedia. Edited by a goat.
APG1 - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Hands of Charmin!
42-0 with one KO. Cripes. The guy must be a pretty good boxer, because apparently he hits like Stephen Hawking. Talk about a soft touch for a stay-busy fight.
Verklemptomaniac - February 15, 2012
The next Malignaggi, maybe.
DrRck - February 15, 2012
Well, I was just about to ask "Who the hell is … "
DrRck - February 15, 2012
I’m sure he did. Cuenca is an expert check writer
Eugene Banks - February 16, 2012
This is weird
There. I said it. It’s my nomination for The Most Meaningless Fight of the Year.
pakinpower - February 16, 2012
Really?
You must have not heard about the Mayweather-Cotto undercard. There. I said it.
El_Diego - February 16, 2012
This tops it. I cant imagine JMM getting paid much for this stay busy affair. At least Mosely is getting paid to lose
pakinpower - February 16, 2012
Yeah, I’d rather see a guy who used to be good than a guy who never was good and never will be good.
RyanSexton - February 16, 2012
It’s all preference. I would rather see some guy who hasn’t been tested get beaten to a bloody mess, as opposed to some old guy that hasn’t won a meaningful fight in over 3 years get hospitalized.
El_Diego - February 16, 2012
How shit must Andres Villafane feel being the guys sole KO victim.
Shitali Klitschko - February 16, 2012 via mobile
JMM will be his second KO victim
battle axe of doom - February 16, 2012 via mobile
hands of stone
i read somewhere that JMM will not wear a mouthpice and he is also going to give Cuenca ten free hits.but he also said that he was voing to eat bbq ribs before the fight and he was going to use those free shots from Cuenca to wipe of the bbq
Maromero - February 16, 2012 via mobile
No, no, no. A simple shot of piss and BAM WAM, it's done.
Boss Man - February 16, 2012
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