Juan Manuel Marquez wants to collide with Miguel Cotto in his possible farewell fight, but the Mexican boxing warriors will likely have a preparation bout in Mexico City in June or July before facing the Puerto Rican superstar.
Boxing Commission of Mexico City president Ciro Nucci said that Marquez could fight in Zocalo in Mexico City. Nucci revealed that the Mexico City mayor Miguel Ãngel Mancera Espinosa and officials have expressed interest in hosting Marquez's next fight, which will be his tune-up bout for his anticipated showdown with Cotto.
"The mayor wants Marquez to fight in the Zocalo," Nucci said via BoxingScene. "If everything is goes well, then you will see it in June or July. Juan Manuel wants a big pre-fight before facing Cotto. The officials have said that they are open to everything. The final word is sitting with the champion Juan Manuel Marquez."
Will it Be Against Jessie Vargas?
Marquez was recently linked to newly-crowned World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas after the latter took the title with a ninth-round knockout win against Sadam Ali on Saturday.
Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum reacted on the proposed bout between Marquez and Vargas. Arum said that he likes the idea and he thinks it will also be a good option for Marquez, citing the fact that the veteran has been looking for his fifth world title in as many divisions.
"Why not, what a great idea," Arum said of the Marquez-Vargas fight via BoxingScene. "It never occurred to me. Marquez is dying to fight a welterweight championship fight. Let me make a couple of calls, I'll give you a little piece."
According to BoxingScene, Arum called promoter Fernando Beltran and was informed that Marquez was currently in Miami during their conversation and will return to Mexico on Wednesday. It remains to be seen, though, whether or not Arum will be open to staging the Marquez-Vargas fight in Mexico City instead of Las Vegas.
The 42-year-old Marquez, who holds a 56-7-1 record with 40 knockout victories, has not fought since his unanimous decision win against Mike Alvarado in May 2014 after sustaining a knee injury. The Mexico City native is reportedly eyeing two more fights -- one against Cotto -- before calling it quits for good.
