This weekend's stand out bout, by far, takes place in the US as future Hall of Famer Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40) looks to claim another world title. In Marquez's way is unbeaten American Timothy Bradley (30-0-0-1, 12) the reigning and defending WBO Welterweight champion and a man with a point to prove after 2 successive bouts in which he was "fortunate"to win.
For Bradley, a talented all rounder, this is a big chance to answer some serious questions. With out a doubt he was given the benefit of the doubt against Manny Pacquiao and he was also lucky to survive, never mind get the victory over Ruslan Provodnikov last time out. Whilst he showed great heart in both of those fights he also took a lot of damage and may never be the same fighter either physically or mentally.
Prior to those two fights Bradley was on or around the fringes of the "pound-for-pound" lists. It wasn't that he had any great qualities in terms of speed, or power though his will to win and never say die attitude was second to none. He had a great heart and amazing conditioning and it was often this that helped him see out some really bad issues.
Whilst that all sounds incredibly negative the flipside was that Bradley also didn't have any clear weaknesses. It was difficult to to have Bradley rating less than 7/10 on anything, other than perhaps power. His speed isn't amazing, but it is good, his skills are good, his power makes fighters respect him, his movement is solid, his combinations are solid.
Whilst Bradley was lucky to beat Pacquiao many feel that Mexican Marquez is unfortunate not to have 4 wins over the Filipino superstar. Saying that however Marquez did finally get a definitive victory over "The Pacman" last time out when he left Pacquiao unconscious in after an eye catching KO.
Like Bradley, Marquez is viewed in, or around, the pound-for-pound list. Unlike Bradley however Marquez has had a bit more of a hard luck career. He lost on his debut back in 1993 after being disqualified, having been forced to wait 3 years for his debut, he would later lose, albeit controversially to Freddie Norwood, Chris John, Manny Pacquiao twice-both time controversially, and Floyd Mayweather Jr with only the Mayweather loss being a clear one.
Marquez is one of the sports true technicians. He's now 40 years old but has perfected the art of being an offensive counter puncher who, like Bradley, refuses to just lose. He's tough, throws beautiful combinations, has hurtful power which can be concussive when he lands clean and has unexpectedly good hand speed.
Whilst Marquez is a great technical boxer he does have his weaknesses. He's not the fastest of starters, he's not the most active in the ring and he's also a long way from being a natural Welterweight, though he did fill out to an impressive 143lbs for his most recent bout.
At their respective primes it'd be next to impossible to back Bradley against Marquez. Aged 40 however Marquez is no longer the clear favourite, though I do tend to favour him slightly. Bradley refuses to be stopped and although he's solid in every category I can't hep but feel that Marquez will manage to do whats needed to just take a very, very hard fought decision.
Prediction-Marquez SD12
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