At almost 41 years of age, and coming off the back of an October loss to Timothy Bradley, Marquez is aiming to prove he still has something to offer as ‘Dinamita’ chases his dream of claiming a version of the world title in five different divisions.
“Mike Alvarado is a strong fighter,” said Marquez. “He is a great fighter and he wants to win. I also want to win so that will make it a great fight.
“The people want to see these kinds of fights. He likes to fight and I like to fight, so that’s what makes a great fight.”
Talk of a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao has dominated the build-up as the fight also doubles up as a world title eliminator for a shot at the WBO king. Marquez was coy though when pushed on the possibility of another instalment with his nemesis in November following Pacquiao’s dominant display against Bradley in April.
“My thinking is first-things-first and my thoughts right now are on Mike Alvarado,” he stated. “If I win the fight, then I will think about Manny Pacquiao. I will fight the fight on Saturday then go from there.
“I saw the best Manny Pacquiao (against Bradley) and he wants to beat everybody. Everyone knows that Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter and he is a world champion and right now Pacquiao is back.
“Pacquiao is using his feet very well and he moves well in the ring. I saw the best Manny Pacquiao because he landed a lot of punches and was moving on his feet. I liked the way Manny Pacquiao fought very much.”
Marquez turned down the chance to challenge for the WBO light-welterweight title against Ruslan Provodnikov before taking the Alvarado clash, which would point even more to the veteran and Pacquiao getting it on yet again in the winter.
“The most important thing for me right now is that Mike Alvarado is a great fighter. Provodnikov fights at 140 pounds and Mike Alvarado is a welterweight fight,” pointed out Marquez.
“Provodnikov is a great fighter, but I want the champion (at welterweight). If I fight with Provodnikov I would not get the mandatory to fight the welterweight champion.”
On his own future, Marquez then added: “You can’t tell when you go in the ring. You do the best you can – you win or you lose.
“Whatever happens on Saturday, you go back, take a look and analyze everything. But in my mind all I think about is winning and continuing my career.”
Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Márquez Boxing, PS4 and Tecate, remaining tickets to Márquez vs. Alvarado, priced at $400, $250, $150, $75 and $35, can be purchased at the Forum box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (800-745-3000), and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.fabulousforum.com
