EXCLUSIVE: JACA ON TRACK TO MAKE WEIGHT EASILY!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 24 Nov 2006
McALLEN, TEXAS--Filipino Jimrex "The Executioner" Jaca faced the Philippine media for the first time yesterday since his much-chronicled falling out with manager Rex 'Wakee' Salud, this time looking every inch in high spirit and in good mood as he challenges WBO featherweight interim champ Juan Manuel Marquez this Saturday (Sunday in RP) at the 7,000-capacity Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.
Jaca, who weighed yesterday at a trim 126.5 lbs--just half a pound over the weight limit-- was accompanied by trainer Robert 'Jun' Bubuli and close associate James Gogue when he paid a visit to this writer for an interview at the Wyndham Hotel here.
"This is going to be the first time in my career that I will be fighting without any weight problems whatsoever, and with no distractions," Jaca said, referring to his spartan training at the Amigos Boxing Gym in Weslaco, Texas.
The southpaw Jaca (27-2-1, 12 KO's) attempts to dethrone the vastly-talented Juan Manuel Marquez (45-3-1, 34 KO's), the same fighter who peeled himself from the canvas thrice to salvage a draw with superstar Manny Pacquiao in 2004.
For this fight, Jaca has been sparring against light-welterweight Emmanuel Augustus, Arnold Figueroa and Oscar Gonzalez.
"I have been religiously running five miles every morning, and reporting for gym work in the afternoon. I am ready to go," said Jaca, who revealed for the first time that promoter Oscar De la Hoya has already assured him win or loss, he will continue to be guided by Golden Boy Promotions.
Meanwhile, reigning champ Marquez was reportedly trying to shake off extra poundage until yesterday as he was seen in a midday run supervised by trainer Ignacio 'Nacho' Beristain.
Marquez looked every bit in top shape yesterday when met by the press at the hotel lobby, although he seemed tired as he posed for photographs.
The Marquez-Jaca weigh-in takes place today at the Cancun Ballroom of the Wyndham Hotel, with Oscar De la Hoya and GBP vice-president Eric Gomez in attendance.
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