QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO — Juan Manuel Marquez’s (53-5-1, 39 KOs) southpaw tune-up for Manny Pacquiao turned into a very light workout courtesy of a right hand knockout of Likar Ramos (24-4, 18 KOs) with 59 seconds left in the first round.
Marquez began the bout working the jab and seeking to time the taller Ramos with straight rights. For defense, Ramos leaned straight back, causing Marquez’s early combination attempts to fall short. Later in the round, Marquez fired a glancing left jab that made Ramos leaned back with his chin up into the range of Marquez’s straight right. The punch landed right on Ramos’ chin, snapping his head and causing what appeared to be a balance knockdown.
The full damage of the punch became apparent once Ramos hit the canvas. The challenger slowly crumpled flat on his back without further movement, prompting an immediate stoppage from the referee.
The win is Marquez’s second consecutive knockout at lightweight. On November 12, he’ll move up to junior welterweight to face Manny Pacquiao, who’s coming off a May 7 unanimous decision over Shane Mosley.
On the show’s undercard, Juan’s brother Rafael Marquez (40-6, 36 KOs) defeated Eduardo Becerril (12-8-2, 4 KOs) via a corner retirement after the sixth round. Becerril was able to land on Marquez, but didn’t have the power to earn Rafael’s respect nor the durability to withstand the punches coming back at him. Becerril also suffered a knockdown in the fourth off a left hook.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 