[tps_header]1. Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs)[/tps_header]
Photo by Reuters/Steve Marcus
As long as Juan Manuel Marquez is technically still active, you can’t rank any current Mexican boxer ahead of him.
The 41-year-old pugilist has found success from the Featherweight division all the way up to Jr. Welterweight. Marquez is one of only three Mexican born fighters to capture a championship in four divisions.
Marquez is best known for his legendary four-fight series with Manny Pacquiao which started in May of 2004.
The first bout between Marquez and Pacquiao produced some of the greatest drama in boxing history after Marquez hit the deck three times in the first round but came storming back to earn a draw.
It’s that same fire and determination that Marquez showed in the first Pacquiao fight which has defined him and helped solidify his legacy.
Marquez was largely overlooked in the earlier part of his career when Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales were at their peak. But, it can easily be argued that the best of the bunch ended up being Marquez.
In terms of where Marquez currently stands, he hasn’t been active in almost a year, but would still be a tough outing for most top-tier fighters. His most recent victory came against Mike Alvarado in an exciting clash at The Forum in Inglewood, CA back in May of 2014.
Whether Marquez decides to continue fighting or not, the other boxers on this list should certainly take a page from his book.
Marquez has fought the best of his era and although he was always known as a boxer and accurate counter puncher, he could put the foot on the gas pedal when he needed to and battle like a true Mexican warrior.
