Welcome to South San Antonio Texas

     A few weeks back, I spoke of how the sport of boxing isn't dead just yet. I said this despite the probable retirement of Oscar De La Hoya following his brutal loss at the hands of Manny Pacquiao a few months back.
     I stated there were some intriguing matchups on the horizon that should lift the pugilistic sport to new heights. One said matchup is right around the corner and it is closer than you think.
     On Saturday night in Houston Texas, Juan Manuel Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KO's) will be battling hometown hero and former world champion Juan Diaz (34-1, 17 KO's) in what can only be described as a sure fight of the year candidate.
      The lightweight bout will be for the vacant WBO and WBA World Titles. But more than any belt that can be won in this fight, the winner will walk away as the top fighter in this very talented division.
     It has always been my observation that fighting styles mean more to a great bout that the quality of the opponents. With Diaz and Marquez, both fight at a very high level, but these two styles should mesh to form something special the boxing community will be buzzing about for some time.
     One of the great aggressive fighters in the game, Diaz will provide what is expected to be a near sellout crowd at the Toyota Center constant in your face action.
     Marquez, one of the very best counter punchers in the sport and one of the most intelligent in the game will no doubt be up for the younger aggressive Houston resident.
     A lot of action, a lot of drama and with the fight being in Diaz' hometown, the potential for controversy will all be present when these two warriors collide on Saturday night.
     If the main event isn't a complete treat for you, the co-main event should more than fill the void. Another Houston resident, Rocky Juarez (28-4, 20 KO's) is set for battle for the WBA Featherweight title when he faces off against the undefeated Chris John (42-0, 22 KO's).
     Want to know the best part of this entire show? It is going to be aired on free television as a part of HBO's World Championship Boxing series.
     If you are a fan of the sport of boxing, this incredible two bout show will keep your interest in the sport at a very high level.
     Look for Diaz to emerge as the winner in the main event in a 12 round split decision victory and for Juarez to drop a decision to John. Either way-expect one heck of a night of boxing without having to shell out 49.95 for the event.