Every great fighter has its downfall. I hate to see them happen. But it is what it is. Once you get to the top the next thing for sure will happen: is to go downhill. This is the case Saturday night at the Fantasy Springs Casino. Rafael Marquez at 38, wanted to stay relevant in the featherweight division taking on a younger foe in Efrain Esquivias in the under-card of Arreola-Mitchell heavyweight contest.
Rafael Marquez 41-9 (KO 37) was knocked out in the ninth round. The TKO defeat might send him to retirement—which I think he should. The younger Esquivias dominated Marquez almost every round, landing the cleaner shots. Although, Marquez showed flashback of himself some years ago, prior to his great wars with Israel Vasquez by pinning Esquivias against the ropes. But his age was evident from what he did inside the ring. After he unleashed those shots that back Esquivias up, Marquez seemed so slow and tired entering the ninth round. There was no sting from his punches. His reflexes were not there. Totally old.
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