Undefeated Floyd Mayweather fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, postponed from July when Mayweather suffered a rib injury, will be staged on September 19, promoters announced on Friday.
The 12-round bout, marking the return of Mayweather after a layoff that will stretch to 21 months, will be staged at the MGM Grand as originally planned on July 18 after doctors cleared Mayweather to fight on the later date.
Mayweather was hurt in training for the fight, his ring return that fight fans hope will be a stepping stone to an eventual showdown with Filipino star Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather's successor as the world pound-for-pound king.
"I am relieved to be cleared to fight as I was already looking forward to getting back in the ring," Mayweather said. "I will destroy Marquez and reclaim my rightful place as boxing's pound-for-pound king all in one night."
The US star will face Mexico's Marquez on what is the Mexican Independence Day weekend.
"I am happy that Mayweather has been cleared to fight and we can get down to business," said Marquez, who intends to give Mexicans another reason to celebrate.
"I will be fighting for (people) who will have a great reason to celebrate my win over Mayweather, which will be for the entire country of Mexico. I am sure of victory."
LAS VEGAS AFP
