Injury Forces Four-Week Delay of Juan Manuel Lopez-Rafael Marquez

The promoters of former world champion Rafael Marquez (pictured above) and southpaw WBO featherweight (126 pounds) titlist Juan Manuel Lopez have officially confirmed that their scheduled Sept. 18 bout in Las Vegas has been postponed due to an injury to Marquez's right thumb.

Work is being done to reschedule the bout within the next four weeks.

"Naturally we're disappointed. Fortunately, Marquez's injury isn't too serious. We have already discussed the situation with the MGM Grand and Showtime, and they both are working with us to find a new mutually acceptable date," said Todd duBoef of Top Rank.

"JuanMa is very happy that he'll still be able to fight one of Mexico's greatest champions as well as the toughest opponent he has ever faced," said duBoef. "We're hopeful that we'll have a new date to announce next week, along with information about ticket refunds for patrons who cannot travel on the new date."

The injury occurred three days ago when Marquez (39-5, 35 knockouts) accidently slammed the door to his truck on his hand. Marquez initially thought that he would have no major problems, according to BoxingScene.com, but the injury intensified with his training on Wednesday, so he visited his trusted doctors, Plutarco Gatica and Rafael Barragan.

The doctors informed Marquez that there was no fracture, but that there is an inflammation that would require at least six to eight weeks without hitting anything.

"I was told that Rafael injured the thumb on his right hand when it got caught in the door of a vehicle," said Gary Shaw, Marquez's co-promoter. "He then tried to work through the pain in training camp, but it only made the injury worse. On his doctor's orders, Rafael will abstain from any activity with hand for a few weeks to allow it to heal properly."

On Thursday, Fernando Beltran, co-promoter of Marquez with Shaw, flew to Mexico City where Marquez trains, according to Top Rank Promotions' public relations specialist Lee Samuels. "Beltran brought his own doctor with him," who re-examined Marquez, Samuels said.

Apparently, Beltran's specialist came to the same conclusion that Marquez's recovery would not allow him to be 100 percent for a September bout against Lopez (29-0, 26 KOs).

"I am disappointed with this injury, because I was confident that I could fight. I already had one and a half months of training. I was very happy to fight in September, which is a special month for us Mexicans. But because of this incident I will have to postpone," said Marquez.

"I hope to be ready for those dates [October or November,]" said Marquez. "I have to postpone because JuanMa Lopez is one of the best fighters in the world. I have to be at 100 percent to beat him."

Marquez said that he will not suspend his training as he can still strike with his left hand, and plans to continue his running and various exercises.

"I'm very disappointed but I know that these things happen in boxing," said Lopez, who is 29-0 with 26 knockouts. "I hope the fight gets rescheduled soon, and look forward to fighting Rafael Marquez."