Juan Manuel Marquez Update: Pacquiao Tune-Up Won't Be Against David Diaz

Rick Reeno reports that Juan Manuel Marquez still plans to return in July to tune-up for his November 12 date against Manny Pacquiao, but the date and opponent won't be on the original plan.

Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO) wanted to return on July 2 against David Diaz, but the two sides are nowhere close on money. Zanfer Promotions will co-promote the show with Marquez's own promotional company in Mexico City on July 16, not the July 2 date previously planned.

Marquez turns 38 in August and isn't looking to take any big risk with his July date, which is to serve only as a pure tune-up for the Pacquiao date. Diaz would have been a credible but almost risk-free opponent for Marquez, who on his worst day is simply a far better fighter than the Chicago veteran.

TV Azteca will likely air the fight in Mexico, but no U.S. TV has been in the conversation yet. There are certainly plenty of fighters at 135 or 140 pounds who could fit the low-risk bill for Marquez, and given that the date is only about eight weeks away, an opponent should be finalized soon. And if Showtime does, as rumored, land the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight for November, it would seem likely they'd pick up Marquez's July fight as a showcase.