The man from Mexico City takes on the very best in the business in Las Vegas on July 18 in a megafight that has been billed as Number One: Numero Uno.

The winner will lay claim to the pound-for-pound title currently held by Manny Pacquiao following his recent rise, culminating in the two-round dismantling of Ricky Hatton.

But for Marquez – who many feel beat the Filipino in both their meetings – there is more to it than personal pride.

He knows he is looking to restore the reputation of a fighting nation that has given birth to the likes of Salvador Sanchez, Ricardo Lopez, Carlos Zarate, Julio Cesar Chavez and more recently, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

"It’s a great responsibility for me, because Mexican people love boxing and they will all be watching this fight," he told skysports.com.

"They are very excited, so it’s a great opportunity for me and for all the Mexicans – around the world – supporting me. And all the people watching me."

It is a thought that does not faze the 35-year-old three-weight world champion in the slightest.
Muscles

After all, he is taking on the best of a generation and moving up almost two full weight classes to do so.

The fight will take place at a catchweight of 144lbs, a full 10lbs heavier than his last fight against Juan Diaz three months ago, but again it merely adds to Marquez’s sense of anticipation.

"I think this is a great chance for me to be numero uno, but I know I will have to fight," he continued.

"It’s a big step (up), I am working on my muscles because I need weight – but maybe for this weight, I don’t have a problem."

The winner, who the majority expect to be Mayweather Jr, will surely take on Pacquiao with the pound-for-pound title at stake.

Marquez has already fought a draw and a loss with the Filipino, yet won 10 more rounds over the 24 boxed between the two.

But he seems to have given up the idea of levelling any trilogy and was quick to dismiss talk of a third showdown – at least until July 18 is out of the way,

"My mind is focussed on July 18," he said. "Manny Pacquiao is not ready for me in the ring now, he’s in the past.

"The two fights are in the past. Now it’s all about July 18."

Marquez’s Mexican mission

Mayweather retired as the best pound-for-pound fighter after knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007.

But in an exclusive interview with The Sun, he revealed his desire for the sport never faded.

The 32-year-old said: "I thought all the boxing was out of me but it’s still there.

"I’m still hungry. I’ve still got the urge to fight, I’ve still got the urge to run, I’ve still got the urge to go to the gym – that’s why I’m back.

"It took just a week for me to say I wanted to do it again."

Mayweather insists he is still the greatest boxer on the planet.

And he intends to prove a point to current king Manny Pacquiao by defeating Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18.

The man known as ‘Money’ added: "I’m back for the fans and I’m going to put on a good show.

"I’m happy, my children are happy and my team’s happy – we’re going to be ready to rock ‘n roll come fight night.

"I know Marquez will be ready. He’s Mexico’s No1 fighter right now and he’s a gutsy warrior.

"Right now, Marquez is one of the top guys out there and I don’t want to fight no pushover.

"I made it to the top by beating and fighting the best – I never faced no pushovers.

"Marquez is the same as me. He feels a win over me could solidify his career and put him in the Hall of Fame as one of the best fighters who ever lived."

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