Floyd Mayweather will fight Juan Manuel Marquez

[pioneer]

by Brian VanOchten and Josh Slagter | The Grand Rapids Press

Floyd Mayweather is ready to reclaim his throne as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and will take the first step with a July 18 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather's adviser, confirmed the bout in an exclusive interview with The Press today. Ellerbe said the Grand Rapids native and six-time world champion immediately reclaims the title as boxing's best.

"He left the sport as the best fighter in the world, he comes back as the best fighter in the world," Ellerbe said. "(Manny) Pacquiao was never considered the best fighter while Floyd was active, so why should anything change?"

Pacquiao will face Ricky Hatton tonight at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The Pacquiao-Hatton winner is rumored to be in line to face the winner of Mayweather-Marquez later this year.

"I left on top, and I came back on top," Mayweather said at a news conference in Las Vegas on Saturday. "I'm here to fight and reclaim what's mine."