22 years ago
Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manuel Medina
Date: 1st February 2003
Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: vacant IBF World Featherweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank
Referee: Robert Byrd
Tv: HBO PPV
Juan Manuel Marquez
(
39
-
2
-
0
)
Weight: 125½ lbs
Manuel Medina
(
60
-
12
-
0
)
Weight: 125 lbs
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.
Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manuel Medina on YouTube
