By Jhonny Gonzalez
According a Cesar Cuenca (42-0, 1KOs), a deal has been finalized to face former three division champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39KOs) on April 21st in Mexico. Cuenca, the WBO's top rated contender at 140-pounds, turned down the initial offer of $30,000 dollars, but Zanfer Promotions returned with a higher offer that Cuenca accepted.
Because WBO champion Timothy Bradley is moving up to the welterweight division on June 9th to challenge Manny Pacquiao for the WBO's title at 147, the organization will likely approve the Marquez-Cuenca as a battle for the WBO's interim-title.
"We closed the deal yesterday. Two weeks ago I was offered very little money and now the offer was raised. It's the fight of my life. I'll do whatever it takes to win. I know some people do not believe [I can beat Marquez] and have doubts because of my style as a counter-puncher, but I have the weapons to do it," Cuenca said.
