Even though Manny Pacquiao has moved up to junior-welterweight to face Ricky Hatton, the lightweight division is still loaded with talent.
Juan Manuel Marquez battled to a draw and then lost a split decision to Pacquiao is arguably the best lightweight fighter.
At 35 years old, Marquez seems to have been around forever, but he is still one of the top guys in boxing today having recently defeated Joel Casamayor.
Marquez: Pacquiao and Hatton are busy, but what about Floyd?
Juan Diaz is still only 25 years old and was considered one of the best in his division until he hit a road block in the form of Nate Campbell, who handed him his first loss.
Now coming off a good win over Michael Katsidis, Diaz is back and this fight with Marquez was expected to be a cracker.
A win for either fighter would put two belts - WBO and the WBA - around their waists.
Damage
The opening round was fast with Marquez moving round the ring. Diaz went at it throwing body shots and short hooks. A left hook shook Marquez in the second round and when Diaz got close he did some damage.
Hopefully Floyd will un-retire and give Marquez the shot.
Wayne McCullough
Quotes of the week
It seemed as though Marquez, who was the counter-puncher in this fight, needed room to punch but he began to throw uppercuts in close as Diaz came in.
Marquez landed heavy shots and it was evident that he was the harder puncher eventually able to calm his busier opponent down.
Marquez was cut over his right eye by the fifth round but he continued to move to his left onto the right hand of Diaz. However, Diaz used his left hand more often and didn't cut the ring off.
Toe-to-toe
By the eighth round, Diaz was also cut on his right eye. It looked more like a blood bath now as they went toe-to-toe. A left hand by Marquez rocked Diaz for the first time in the fight.
A big right on the side of the head by Marquez floored Diaz in the ninth and even though he was hurt, he got to his feet.
Marquez landed another right uppercut to his chin dropping Diaz once more and putting a stop to the fight at 2:40 of round number nine.
This was a great fight ensuring the number one spot at lightweight for Marquez. He said he wants the winner of Pacquiao and Hatton, but claimed that Pacquiao didn't want to fight him.
It would seem that Hatton is his third option because he also called out Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Hopefully Floyd will un-retire and give Marquez the shot.
At the time of the stoppage the judges were split on scores of 77-75 for Marquez, 77-75 for Diaz and 76-76 a draw.
How highly do you rate Marquez? Who should he fight next? Will the Pretty Boy come back? Let us know what you think by filling in the feedback form below...
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