Taylor Retires Marquez

CARSON, CA - In the co-feature, middleweight contender Jermain Taylor scored a ninth round knockout over former IBF 154lb champion Raul Marquez.

Taylor was in control from the opening bell and knocked out Marquez, 32, in the ninth round to claim the WBC Continental Americas title.

Shortly afterward, Marquez, 35-3 (24 KOs) announced his retirement.

"I knew if things didn't go my way tonight that it would be the end of my career," said Marquez. "I think I had a great career. I was an Olympian and a world champion, and now I have a career as a boxing analyst. I am still learning that and I think I am getting better in front of the camera and I enjoy it. This was my last fight and I am looking forward to a long career as an analyst."

As soon as Taylor figured out Marquez's awkward southpaw style, the young star became increasingly dominant, finally dropping Marquez for the first time in his career in round nine.

Marquez's trainer Ronnie Shields stopped the fight after the ninth, when the former world champion was knocked down late in the round by a right uppercut from the quicker Taylor, 21-0 (16 KOs) who won every round on all three judges' cards.

"I went in there with a game plan and it was hard for me to execute it," Taylor said. "It wasn't until the last round with the knockdown, that I started putting my punches together. I usually have a hell of a jab but it wasn't what it was supposed to be tonight."

With the win, Taylor will now look for more challenges. Some have suggested he step up competition and challenge the undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins.

However according to Marquez, he feels the young prospect should think twice.

"He does have a future, but I definitely don't think he's ready for Bernard Hopkins."

Taylor disagrees.

"I'm still learning, but I'm ready for anybody. I'm a boxer. I'm ready for whoever and I don't care what Raul says, I beat him."

Bobby Roy
LA Correspondent