ESPN Deportes anchor Jorge Sanchez recently broke the news [via promoter Fernando Beltran] that former Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez (39-5, 34 KO) has agreed in principle to take on WBO Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez (28-0, 25 KO). The bout is set to take place on September 18, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at a venue to be named later.
Marquez is looking to capture a championship in his third weight division, fresh off his third round TKO victory over rival Israel Vazquez. Going in to his fourth fight with Vazquez, he faced questions about his health and how much he had left in his 35-year-old body. Marquez looked impressive in the short fight with Vazquez, still appearing to possess the quick reflexes, counter-punching ability, and power that has carried him thus far.
Lopez, who owns wins over Daniel Ponce De Leon and Gerry Penalosa, will first have to get past challenger Bernabe Concepcion on July 10 before a bout with Marquez can come to fruition. Concepcion won't be a walk in the park for Lopez and could alter the plans of the rising Puerto Rican star.