Juan Manuel Márquez Méndez, born on the 23rd of August, 1973, is a Mexican professional boxer famously known for his historic battle with champion Manny Pacquiao and for being one of only three Mexican boxers to be a champion in four weight classes.
So how much is Marquez’s net worth? As of early 2016 it is reported by sources to be $20 million, gained mostly from his long career as a professional boxer.
Juan Manuel Marquez Net Worth $20 Million
Growing up in Mexico City, Mexico, boxing is in his blood being the brother of another boxer Rafael Marquez. At the early age of 19 on May of 1993, he already had his debut fight against Javier Duran, but unfortunately the first was a defeat. After his loss, he was on a winning streak for six straight years, defeating the likes of Agapito Sanchez, Alfred Kotey and Julio Gervacio.
In 1999, Marquez got a chance to fight for his first world title against Freddie Norwood, however, the fight ended in a controversial loss for Marquez. He got another chance in 2003 to bag another title in a fight against Manuel Medina. This time he won, taking home the IBF featherweight title, and he then became the WBA Super Featherweight title holder when he defeated Derrick Gainer.
Marquez went on to fight Manny Pacquiao, but unfortunately the fight resulted to a draw. Even though a lot of fans were disappointed with the result, the 2004 fight made Marquez a name to watch out for, making him popular in the boxing world and boosting his net worth.
Because of his inability to defend his title, in 2005 Marquez was stripped of his hard-earned featherweight belts. In his first attempt to regain a title, Marquez fought Indonesian fighter Chris John in 2006 but that resulted in a loss. Later that year, he tried again, and this time defeated Terdsak Jandaeng and won the interim WBO featherweight title.
In the following year, after moving up in weight class, Marquez faced Marco Antonio Barrera for the WBC super featherweight title and won. However, the highlight of his year was his second meeting with Manny Pacquiao. The bout once again ended in a disappointment on his side, when this time Pacquiao took home the title on a split points decision.
After his defeat, Marquez decided to move up another weight class, and defeated Joel Casamayor to win The Ring Magazine lightweight title. He then later defeated Juan Diaz and won two titles – the WBO lightweight title and WBA super-lightweight title. Being named “Fight of the Year” garnered attention all over the world, increasing Marquez’s popularity and net worth.
Moving up yet again to another weight class, Marquez faced the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, the fight resulted in a defeat on Marquez’s side by unanimous decision. He then returned to lightweight and again defeated Juan Diaz.
In November 2011, Marquez’s fight against Pacquiao was set. Despite the controversial decision, Marquez once again lost. After one year, the fourth and final fight was set, but this time Marquez got his much awaited win, and by a knockout. The fight earned him a deserved reputation and an significant increase in his net worth.
In his personal life, Marquez has been married to wife Erika since 1996, and they have three children.
