On February 1, 2003, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Juan Manuel Marquez faced Manuel Medina for the vacant IBF World Featherweight Title, a match broadcasted on HBO PPV. Both fighters came into the bout well-prepared, with Marquez weighing 125½ lbs and Medina at 125 lbs.
Having built a strong career record (39-2-0), Marquez sought to capitalize on this title opportunity against the seasoned Medina (60-12-0), a former four-time world featherweight champion. The fight was characterized by Marquez's tactical approach and sharp punching. He knocked Medina down in the second round and again in the seventh, showcasing his power and precision.
The end came at 1:18 of the 7th round when referee Robert Byrd, on the advice of ringside doctor Margaret Goodman, stopped the fight following the second knockdown of Medina. This victory marked a significant milestone in Marquez's career, securing his place as the IBF World Featherweight Champion, the first of his carer world title triumphs.
