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When Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press the concept of education changed forever. The arrival of the textbook meant students could now learn a craft by adhering to a set of written instructions.
If ever there was a fighter who could be described as textbook, it’s Juan Manuel Marquez. He does everything a model practitioner of the Sweet Science should do. Whether it’s his sturdy jab, tight guard or collected composure, Marquez is certain display the classic fundamentals of the game.
But doing everything correctly doesn’t always result in greatness. Van Gough, Renoir and Picasso produced artwork that broke the boundaries of tradition. Joyce, Milton and Whitman wrote in a manner far removed from what was taught in school, while Ali, Robinson and Leonard achieved immortality with fighting styles that angered purists.
The greats always take risks. They defy the rules and stand out from the crowd by doing things their way. Ironically, such trailblazers usually have gaping flaws in their technique, yet their daring boldness sees them prevail.
Isn’t it a shame that Marquez, a diligent fighter who has done everything ‘right’, gets overlooked by guys who ignore convention?
“Unfortunately, the best fighters out there are not always the biggest draws,” boxing writer Ted Bodenrader told BoxingScene.com. “Marquez is light years ahead of a guy like Arturo Gatti in the skills department, but ask ten fight fans who they’d rather slap down fifty bucks to watch. It won’t be Marquez. That’s why I don't think Marquez will be remembered in the same scope as guys like Barrera, Morales, and (Julio Caesar) Chavez, who provided endless highlight reels.” [details]
If ever there was a fighter who could be described as textbook, it’s Juan Manuel Marquez. He does everything a model practitioner of the Sweet Science should do. Whether it’s his sturdy jab, tight guard or collected composure, Marquez is certain display the classic fundamentals of the game.
But doing everything correctly doesn’t always result in greatness. Van Gough, Renoir and Picasso produced artwork that broke the boundaries of tradition. Joyce, Milton and Whitman wrote in a manner far removed from what was taught in school, while Ali, Robinson and Leonard achieved immortality with fighting styles that angered purists.
The greats always take risks. They defy the rules and stand out from the crowd by doing things their way. Ironically, such trailblazers usually have gaping flaws in their technique, yet their daring boldness sees them prevail.
Isn’t it a shame that Marquez, a diligent fighter who has done everything ‘right’, gets overlooked by guys who ignore convention?
“Unfortunately, the best fighters out there are not always the biggest draws,” boxing writer Ted Bodenrader told BoxingScene.com. “Marquez is light years ahead of a guy like Arturo Gatti in the skills department, but ask ten fight fans who they’d rather slap down fifty bucks to watch. It won’t be Marquez. That’s why I don't think Marquez will be remembered in the same scope as guys like Barrera, Morales, and (Julio Caesar) Chavez, who provided endless highlight reels.” [details]