The Saturday Showtime title twin bill opened with defending WBA/IBF
featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in a masterful boxing exhibition,
while schooling challenger Victor Polo over 12 stanzas, to the tune of 120-107,
119-108, 118-109.
This one was seen by many as a tune-up for a possible unification bout with
Scotland’s WBO champ Scott Harrison - however, the ultimate Mexican pro,
Marquez, prepared for the unranked Colombian southpaw as a legitimate threat.
And what the viewer got was a treat not often seen in the today game - the
"Rodney Dangerfield" dandy, mixing a radar delivered straight right hand with
assorted combinations that kept the taller Polo off rhythm.
Along with the diversified offense, a tight defense that was a delight to watch
… when not slipping punches, he’s catching the incoming mail with the gloves,
not to mention a feint that carries a purpose.
Yes, this 31 year young veteran sporting a now 44-2-1, 33 rap sheet is a proven
special one on the today scene.
Post Scripts: Juan Manuel Marquez ~ when asked during post fight ring interview
about possible move up to jr. lightweight for a return with Filipino "Pac-Man"
Pacquiao, or a Barrera, Morales, the response was if any of those could be made
it would be fine. He also suggested a unification with Harrison or Injin Chi is
possible as well. The memory of the three knockdowns in opening stanza of the
Pac-Man fight is as vivid today as it was when they met. The recovery and late
rounds dominance speaks for itself.
Victor Polo ~ this 12th rated and unranked southpaw is no
slouch. Has come up short in four prior title challenges that saw one a
standoff. Guess is, not too many of those slotted above him would be in a rush
to try the tall, rangy guy with the quick left hand.
