Boxeo Notebook Beristain Speak on the Future of the Marquez Brothers
Ricardo Lois - 2/11/2005
A conversation with trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain revealed that reports of a bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Scott Harrison being close to finalized are erroneous.
Beristain took the opportunity to air his anger at Top Rank, which promotes the featherweight standout. Earlier this year, with negotiations for a rematch between Marquez and Manny Pacquiao stalled, Top Rank instead worked a deal for another one of their promotion’s fighter Erik Morales to battle the Filipino.
The maneuver by Top Rank, according to Beristain is typical of their dealings with Marquez. Nacho believes the promotion has only been interested in making Erik Morales a star and neglected Marquez’s career over the past years.
Juan Manuel and his brother Rafael, also managed and trained by Beristain, are near the end of their contractual obligations with Top Rank. While Nacho will maintain his professionalism and discuss the possibility of renewing both brothers’ contracts with Top Rank, it should be just viewed as a professional courtesy and the Marquez brothers can be expected to drop the Las Vegas based promotion.
Do not expect the Mexican belt holders to arrive on the steps of Golden Boy Promotions. Beristain feels that Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional firm has been structured much like Top Rank and does not feel Golden Boy Promotions would be a strong fit for the brothers.
One has to wonder which promotional firm would fit Beristain’s fancy. Though a magnificent fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez does not have the popular following necessary for the monetary demands he presents and Rafael is a splendid fighter in a weak and unpopular weight class of one hundred and eighteen pounds.
Guzman Gets His Shot
As reported in the last Boxeo Notebook, Joan Guzman has resigned with Sycuan’s Ringside Promotions. In a telephone conversation Wednesday afternoon with Guzman, the Dominican pugilist was in good spirits and looking forward to fellow one hundred and twenty-two-pound titleholder Oscar Larios.
"This is what I have always wanted, to showcase my skills in a high profile bout," said Guzman.
Oscar Larios sealed the deal for a bout with Guzman, as he took a wide decision against veteran Wayne McCullough Thursday night. Larios and Guzman will be squaring off April 9th on the under card of Marco Antonio Barrera’s next fight, reportedly in El Paso, Texas.
Morel vs. Castillo Not Signed, Yet
A call to Top Rank Promotion’s Matchmaker Bruce Trampler regarding the status of a possible bout between Martin Castillo and Eric Morel resulted in a phone message from the veteran matchmaker hyping the bout between the one hundred and fifteen pound combatants.
Enthusiasm from the Top Rank representative aside, sources close to Castillo and Morel state no contract has been signed, though the possibility of the bout occurring remain high.
Abner Mares Returns to Action in Los Angeles and El Paso
2005 Mexican Olympian Abner Mares returns to action for his second professional contest on the under card of Bernard Hopkin’s title defense verses Howard Eastman on February 19th at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California.
If Abner proves victorious on the 19th, he is programmed to appear on the under card of Barrera’s April 9th defense as well.
Mares debuted January of this year on HBO Latino’s Boxeo de oro, knocking out Luis Malave in the second round.
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