Taking the Bull by the Horns!

Taking the Bull by the Horns!

By Benny Henderson Jr., Doghouse Boxing (Mar 2, 2009) Photo © Tom Hogan/ Golden Boy Promotions

This past Saturday night the fight fans at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX as well as the many viewing worldwide witnessed a hellacious throw down between lightweight great Juan Manuel Marquez 50-4-1 (37) and Juan Diaz 34-2 (17) which can easily get an early vote as ‘fight of the year’ candidate.

Both ring combatants went head to head in heated action throwing fierce combinations with Diaz being the aggressor for most of the early rounds. Pushing the pace from fast to faster, the fight fans were getting an eye full of a bloody brawl, with the younger Diaz swarming Marquez with stinging shots.

Marquez, who although took some pain and punishment, is known for dishing out hell as well and Diaz found out the hard way in the ninth round when the Houston native hit the deck form a fiery flurry. Heaving heart and determination served the “Baby Bull” well to beat the ten count, but within seconds of reaching his feet, Diaz was stretched out on the canvas from a powerful fight-ending uppercut.

Marquez claimed the IBO strap as well as the vacant WBO and WBA lightweight titles at 2:40 in the ninth round, as well as claiming 135-pound supremacy.

John escapes Texas with title in hand

Indonesian born boxer as well as eleven-time defending WBA featherweight champion Chris John 42-0-2 (22) got a big gulp of the Lone Star State as he took on Texas native Rocky Juarez 28-4-1 (20) in a twelve round close-quartered contest.

John, who was the better counter puncher of the two, threw out crisper cleaner shots to the head and body of Juarez, but Rocky, who is known for his power, did just that, administered it.

Juarez, who was bidding for a world title for a fifth time, added pressure to his foe, but the faster John was able to fend off Juarez’s wrath with effective movement and countering.

It was a back and forth battle, with Juarez earning the last two rounds, but when the smoked cleared the judges had scored the fight a draw 114-114 across the board, sending John back home still a world champion.

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