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| One fighter whose performance I feel may be overshadowed this past weekend was Raul Marquez' victory over the formerly undefeated Giovanni Lorenzo. I have to admit, I never really thought much of Marquez before and I really don't know why. Despite being an Olympian he never really got the fight fan's imagination and only briefly held the junior middleweight crown. His career never caught fire the way De La Hoya's had (whose does?) and he always seemed to be *under the radar* throughout his campaign in the 90s...Tender skin prevented him from achieving more than his determination otherwise could have if his performance against the hard hitting Lorenzo is any indication. This was a typical cross roads fight where an aging veteran was brought in as cannon fodder for the young upstart. For two rounds, I was rather fearful for Marquez' health. Lorenzo kept shooting a quick counter right which caught Marquez hard in the second round. It looked like this was going to be a lopsided points win for the Dominican contender. A showcase for a new star in boxing...But...Sometime in the third or fourth round, I can't remember which, something happened....Marquez challenged Lorenzo to stand and fight...Taunting the younger man, daring him to stand toe to toe with him. Lorenzo never took the bait and allowed Marquez to come forward, walk him down and edge him out for a unanimous decision win. For Marquez to win, he had to make it a battle of wills. And he won... This was one of those fights where what is on paper does not match the reality of what would happen when the bell rang. Marquez dug down deep in the late rounds. He shouted "I'm the man!" while in the corner and psyched himself up to bear down and out will his younger oppponent. This was one of the most determined efforts I've seen in the ring in a long time. Hats off to "El Diamante." He always was a true champion and class act |
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