Beristain expects Juan Manuel Marquez to retire

MANILA, Philippines – Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain says that he expects his pupil – four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez – to hang up his gloves for good in the near future.

The 41-year-old Mexican counterpuncher was last seen in action when he dominated Mike Alvarado in 12 rounds to capture the vacant WBO International welterweight belt in May 2014.

Marquez (56-7-1, 40 knockouts) went back to work in the last quarter of 2014 with the intention of competing in the earlier part of this year, but he has not been able to go full stream due to a lingering knee injury that he suffered prior to his bout against Alvarado.

“I’d rather see Marquez retire and announce his retirement and cater to his family in the way they deserve,” Beristain aired his concern in an interview with ESPN Deportes.

Beristain has mentored Marquez all throughout his 22-year professional career, winning seven world titles in four different weight classes.

Marquez is most remembered for his four-fight saga with Manny Pacquiao, with the first three meetings concluding in controversial fashion.

However, the outcome was different in their fourth clash as Marquez turned the fight in his favor when he connected a short right with just a second to go in the sixth round, knocking Pacquiao out cold.

“He has put in 22 years of work. The affection I feel for him is not the kind of a trainer and a fighter. It is something greater. He is my role model, a very humble and generous boy,” Beristain said.

In a recent report, conditioning coach Angel “Memo” Heredia believes that Marquez is far from his curtain-call in the sport and foresees that the Mexican will cross paths with Pacquiao again if the Filipino boxer could pull off the improbable upset against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3 in PH). – Rappler.com