Rafael Marquez Cruises, But Looks Faded in Tune-Up Win

Rafael Marquez cruised to a stoppage win after five rounds tonight against club fighter Eduardo Becerril, but in the process showed some slowed reflexes and other wear and tear.

Marquez (40-6, 36 KO) had no trouble with Becerril (12-8-2, 4 KO), as he shouldn't have. The class difference between the fighters was obvious immediately, and Becerril was dominated with ease before being sent to the canvas in the fourth round. Marquez, 36, didn't finish Becerril that round, but battered him again in the fifth. After the round, Becerril's corner failed to answer the bell, stopping the bout.

Marquez was looking to tune up for a possible fight with top 122-pounder Toshiaki Nishioka, and he may well get that bout next. He was a hair over featherweight (126) for this one, and looked soft in the body. Judging Marquez by how he looked, it's hard not to be honest. His reflexes are very slowed down, his hand speed has lost a step or two, and his footwork was downright plodding for much of the fight.

He's definitely an aged, worn fighter, but whether or not he's worn out remains to be seen. He was basically sparring tonight, so we surely didn't see him going at 100% speed, and I'm still very interested in a Nishioka vs Marquez fight. I am now glad we won't see Marquez fight Yuriorkis Gamboa, as was also rumored a few months ago, however -- Gamboa's speed would tear Marquez to pieces, and that's just my honest assessment after seeing Rafael in action tonight.

Our live coverage of the Juan Manuel Marquez vs Likar Ramos show continues here, and if you haven't tuned in yet, do so at TopRank.tv. The stream has been fantastic all night.