Shaw inks Rafael Marquez!

15/05/2006

Shaw inks Rafael Marquez!

Promoter Gary Shaw announced today the signing of IBF bantamweight champion RAFAEL MARQUEZ to an exclusive contract with Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, (www.garyshawproductions.com).  Marquez, a consensus Top-10 Pound-for-Pound champion, joins a star-studded stable that already features the "Lords of the Flies (and super flies)," including undefeated IBF/IBO flyweight champion Vic Darchinyan, NABA/NABO flyweight champion Glenn Donaire and his brother, NABF super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire. "Who says good things don't come in small packages?" asked Shaw.  "I have been a huge Rafael Marquez fan throughout his career and I know he is destined to become boxing's next superstar.  Rafael is scheduled to defend his title when he headlines GSP's August 5 card on Showtime Championship Boxing.  The one thing he has lacked throughout his career he will lack no longer -- strong promotional commitment. I just love watching him fight!"  Marquez, 35-3 (31 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, captured the IBF bantamweight title in 2003, knocking out undefeated defending champion Tim Austin in the eighth round. He has successfully defended his title six times and is currently enjoying a six-year, 14-bout winning streak -- 11 by knockout -- including knockout victories over former world champions Austin, Mark Johnson and Mauricio Pastrana.