One of the best fights of 2009 gets the rematch treatment this month, as Juan Manuel Marquez will take on Juan Diaz on July 31. Fans of boxing and sports betting know that this card is certainly one to watch. As usual, we have your pugilistic prognostications at the ready.
Juan Diaz (35-3, 17 KOs)
Diaz is coming off a loss to Paulie Malinaggi, two of them actually, if you count that debacle in Houston where Malinaggi predicted that judges would give a present to Diaz, which they did. That said, Diaz is oozing confidence heading into this bout, promising fans to pick up where he left off – the 9th round of the first fight. Online betting fans know that Diaz was winning the fight in the early stages. Diaz has also promised a renewed focus in this fight. In the early stages of his career, Diaz was balancing fighting with studying for a political science degree, which he earned last year. Diaz explained his last few performances have suffered from a less intense schedule, one in which he replaced the text books for video games. That wont be a problem this time around, Diaz assures, because the 26 year old fighter is currently studying for his LSATs. While Diazs plans to attend law school are still up in the air, the fighter has publicly stated he wont fight past 30. Regardless of his assurances a busy schedule will bring familiar, successful results, Diazs mind is clearly on things other than boxing, and he may pay for that come fight time.
Juan Manuel Marquez (50-5-1, 37 KOs)
Marquez, like Diaz, is coming off a loss. Floyd Mayweather took a commanding unanimous decision over Marquez in his last bout, which went down in September of 2009. Marquez is back in his natural weight class, and most fans and pundits are picking Marquez as the smart sports bet in this fight. Marquez seems to have more left in the tank at this point than Diaz, who has been hurting after suffering three losses in his last five. Look for Marquez to shut down the Baby Bull, and get some redemption for his poor performance in the early stages of the first bout. While Marquez is certainly past his prime, he is still a very exciting fighter to watch, and seems more focused coming into this fight than Diaz. I dont know if Marquez gets another stoppage here, but he definitely gets the win.
Marquez Diaz Betting Pick and Analysis
Last time around, these guys put on what was voted ESPNs fight of the year. This one figures to be a similar bout. I like Marquez to win this one, but you cant count out Diaz, especially given the last fight. Diaz was winning the bout until Marquez rallied in the last two rounds and opened a nasty cut on his opponent. Marquez is a betting favorite with the bookies, but depending on where you go, as there is some disagreement.
Marquez Diaz Betting Pick: Juan Manuel Marquez