Juan Manuel Marquez's hand injury turned into a fortunate break for Desert Diamond Casino, which will get a chance to host his much-anticipated world super featherweight fight Nov. 3.
Marquez, considered one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters after his March victory over Marco Antonio Barrera, was scheduled to fight Rocky Juarez on Sept. 15 in Las Vegas for his WBC super featherweight belt.
Marquez suffered an infection on a cut to his hand, and the fight was postponed. Because it could not be rescheduled in Las Vegas with a short lead time, Golden Boy Promotions officials moved it to Tucson.
The company also considered moving the fight to the Morongo Casino, near Banning, Calif., and the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, according to Golden Boy publicist Ramiro Gonzalez.
"It's because of the border (being close) and the Mexicans over there, and the size," Gonzalez said of the Desert Diamond. "It's just great. That place is just made for boxing and at Golden Boy, we feel it was the right place. We are really happy."
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Desert Diamond officials anticipate adding seats to the venue, which normally holds about 2,000 for boxing. They have also set higher ticket prices than for their normal bimonthly cards, from $50 to $150 each.
Marquez would likely gain a rematch with Manny Pacquiao if Marquez defeats Juarez. Marquez and Pacquiao, who defeated Barrera on Saturday, fought to a draw in 2004.
