MANILA, Philippines - Puerto Rican champion Juan Manuel Lopez passed the toughest test of his career yet after retaining his World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title and stopping 2-time world champion Rafael Marquez. Marquez failed to answer the bell on Round 9 when he complained of a right shoulder injury to his corner.
Lopez, who dominated most of the fight held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday (Manila time), said he couldn't tell Marquez was injured.
The undefeated "JuanMa" raises his record to 30 wins with 27 knockouts, according to Examiner.com.
Last July, Lopez defeated Filipino featherweight Bernabe Concepcion.
Marquez, on the other hand, is the younger brother of Manny Pacquiao's bitter foe, Juan Manuel Marquez.
With the win, Lopez sets up a future date with fellow undefeated featherweight Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa.
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