By: Matt Yanofsky

In a very entertaining fight which was a lot more competitive than expected, Juan Manuel Marquez proved why he is worthy of a fight with Marco Antonio Barerra or a rematch with Manny Pacquaio. Marquez had a very tough time with the game and aggressive Pilipino Jimrex Jaca. Jaca came to fight and did not back down from the world class Marquez.

In the first round, both men came out swinging landing heavy shots with Marquez landing the bigger punches. After a big first round, the second featured a slower pace. Jaca suffers a cut in a very even round in which a coin could be flipped to determine the winner. During the third, Marquez proved that he was the aggressor by landing some good clean shots. Jaca was very reluctant to attack. The fourth was a close competitive round. Marquez slightly wins by landing better shots but an argument for Jaca could be made.

In the fifth, Marquez was badly cut above his right eye by an accidental head butt. Marquez felt it was intentional. After a brief stoppage by the referee, Marquez badly out brawled Jaca. Marquez started the sixth aggressively. Jaca refused to let Marquez take advantage. Jaca fired back landing some clean shots. In the best round of the fight, Marquez wins the battle by once again landing cleaner and better shots. After another war in round seven, both boxers appeared tired. Marquez outsmarted Jaca who once again did not throw. Marquez featured a good jab and defensive movement.

Round nine was the beginning of the end. Marquez’ cut was opened and began badly bleeding after another head butt from Jaca. Much like in round five, Marquez felt the head butt was intentional and began to brawl with Jaca. Marquez hit Jaca with a huge left hook dropping Jaca. This ended the night as Jaca was down for a 10 count. The official time was 2:48 of round 9. The winner and still WBO Interim Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez improves to 46-3-1 35 ko’s while Jaca drops to 27-3-1 with 12 ko’s.