Interview with Raul Marquez in his return match against Sugar Shane Mosley


By Jennifer Estrada

(IB-February 4, 2003) - Raul Marquez will be in action this weekend and has his hands full against Shane Mosley.  I had a chance to talk to him when he was being of assistance to the  Marquez versus Medina weigh in. Raul Marquez is a commentator for HBO's boxing events.


How are you Raul? We'd like to ask you a few questions. First, are you married?

RM.- Yes, I have three beautiful kids: Raul Jr., 10, Giovanny 2, and Arturo, 6. My wife's name is Mireya.

What was your amateur record?

RM.- I think I had 135 wins against 15 losses. I do not remember how many knockouts. I was a national champion and also I went to Barcerona in ’92 for the Olympics, where I got to the semifinals.

Where were you born?

RM.- I’m from Villa Hermosa Tamaulipas, but when I was 2, my parents brought me to the United States. But believe me, I will never forget where I came from. And actually, I would like to go there to celebrate my victory against Mosley.

How do you feel about your next fight?

RM.- Well, let me tell you, I ‘m preparing myself the best I can, and everything is real good for me right now. Physically and mentally I’m ready to do what I can do best. I’ll do everything that is possible to be in shape to win this fight because I’m a believer. I tell you I will win.

The media is saying he will be too much for you. Even the Mosley camp thinks you're past your prime. How does that affect you with less than a week to the fight?


RM.- Everyone can think what they want to think, but on Feb. 8, everyone will know the truth, and I’m telling you that it isn’t going to be easy for Mosley to take me out of the fight. And that goes for the people who think he will beat me easily.

What has been your preparation for the fight?

RM.- This is a very important fight in my life, so I’m working very hard on my defense, training very hard with sparring partners that are real fast. I want you to know that I will be very strong when I start hitting him, and believe me, I will be the one to put him in danger. I want to thank my team for helping me for this fight. I know exactly what I have to do in that ring.

Sounds like you have an effective plan against Mosley.

RM.- Like I told you, everyone will be surprised at the way I will dominate the fight.

I guess you heard before that Mosley wants to make it a street fight.

RM.- If he wants to be dirty, I also can play dirty. I will try to avoid his head but at the same time, I will use my head, too.

Did Mosley ever fight you in the amateurs?.

RM.- No, never. He was too little for me at that time. He was fighting in the category of 132 and 139 pounds and I was at 147.

How did the fight get set up?

RM.- I heard rumors that he wanted to fight me, Campas or Santos, so I called him and told him that I really wanted to fight him. He agreed and the fight is on.

How you plan to fight him?

RM.- First with intelligence. I want to pressure the fight to the max. I do not want to let him use his speed very much. I will protect myself all the time with my arms on top. And I’m not willing to wait for him to attack me. My mission is to finish him in the right moment.

So you think you should be the favorite to win?

RM.- Put it this way. I've got nothing to lose.

Do you have plans for after this fight?

RM.- No, I’m taking this fight very seriously and I'm focused on Mosley. When I take care of him, I will talk about my plans in the near future. A lot of doors are waiting to be opened with the victoriy.

But you have someone in mind if you pass your test against Mosley. Someone like De la Hoya.?

RM.- We’ll see who the fans want me to fight next.

Something else you want to add to this conversation?

RM.- Only that do not be surprised of my victory. I prepared not only for a fight, but for a victory.