Junior welterweight prospect Giovanni Marquez welcomes the pressures of boxing, whether it is following in the footsteps of his champion father or fighting in his hometown of Houston.

Marquez will return Friday against Esteban Munoz at Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston. 

The 24-year-old Marquez, 12-0 (6 KOs), views this upcoming bout as just another step in the journey of being a professional fighter with hopes and ambitions of becoming a main eventer, and possibly a titleholder. 

“There's always added pressure, but for me personally, I welcome that pressure, and I've always worked better under pressure,” Marquez told BoxingScene. “So, it's a privilege and honor to be able to fight at home in front of my hometown fans. We're not taking anyone lightly, but it's just another stepping stone to bigger fights, more experience, and it's a chance to give my hometown fans a great showing,” Marquez said. “This fight will continue to build my name both at home and on the national stage as well.”

Marquez, a Houston native, will also be accompanied by his father, Raul Marquez, who has had a distinguished career, notably now guides him on his journey. Raul competed on the 1992 U.S. Olympic team and is a former titleholder. After his professional fighting career, he became an esteemed broadcaster, who was featured on Showtime’s ShoBox: The Next Generation until the program went off the air at the end of 2023. 

“My dad is very knowledgeable in the sport of boxing, as a former Olympian, former world champion, commentator, so he knows the ins and outs of the game, inside the ring and outside the ring,” Marquez said. “It's a blessing to have him guiding me, leading me, and I have a lot of faith and trust in his teaching.”

Marquez faces Munoz of Highland, California, a 30-year-old who brings a record of 10-4 (5 KOs) to the ring and is on a three-fight winning streak. Munoz has some notable names who he has lost to including George Acosta and Omar Rosario. 

The fight signals another stage in the development of Marquez, who has beaten former contender Jayson Velez and had a split-decision win over Jason Limon in the “overtime round” (Overtime boxing sanctioned the bout as a nine-round fight so when it was a draw they went one more round). Both have given Marquez a lot of experience as a young professional. 

“I've always had more of a pro-minded style, and in the amateurs, it's only three rounds, you don't have time to break guys down, and the pros, you have more rounds you’re able to show more,” Marquez said. “I feel I'm transitioning well and improving every fight.”

Marquez stated his goal for this fight is simple: get better. If all goes well, he will move up in the rankings. 

“The goal for this fight is to continue to improve my skills, continue to win, and not just win, but win dominantly,” Marquez said. “We train as if it's a world title fight and like I said, definitely not overlooking him.”