By Rene Umanzor

Former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) is prepared for a war when he faces Mike Alvarado (34-2, 23KOs) next Saturday night at The Forum in Los Angeles, California. Marquez, 40-years-old, says a loss to Alvarado would place the future of his career in doubt. A victory would position him for a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao, who holds the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship. The fight with Alvarado will take place at catch-weight of 144-pounds.

"I'm going with the idea that I have a tough fight. I know it's a tough, tough fight. Mike Alvarado is an opponent who is ready to die on the line, throwing many punches, he has speed, he has stamina. I'm going in there with the mindset that this fight will be a war," said former world champion.

"Experience is going to be a factor in my favor, combined with great preparation, great condition. There will be important factors as well like working speed, boxing technique in the ring..that will be key. I don't know if the loss would be the end of my career. I'm not going in there with the mentality of losing, but anything can happen in the ring. I'm going in there with positive thoughts, seeking victory by any means and that's what makes this a great fight."

Rene Umanzor covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.