Juan Manuel Marquez Sets July Fight: David Diaz First, Pacquiao Next?

World lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO) is set to make his return to the ring, facing former titlist David Diaz (36-3-1, 17 KO) on July 2. Marquez will promote himself for the fight. Diaz, 34, is promoted by Top Rank. Michael Marley reported the information, which confirmed rumors from a few days prior.

Marquez is aiming to stay sharp for a proposed November 12 trilogy fight with Manny Pacquiao, who last night dominated Shane Mosley in a fight that didn't please fight fans.

Diaz is no top contender, but nobody expected that. For what this fight is, a pure tune-up, Diaz is a fine opponent, as he's a tough guy who makes for decent fights and is very limited in the ring. He's physically strong, but not a puncher, he's not near Marquez's level as a boxer, and he's about as low-risk an opponent as can even approach the realm of "respectable." That's not meant to be a shot at David Diaz, who is a genuinely nice guy and a fine fighter, but Diaz is past his best, and his best would never have been a real threat to Marquez.