When a good fight plan just isn't enough

Juan Diaz found out when a good fight plan just isn't enough.

Going in against arguably the best fighter in the sport, Juan Diaz went all out Saturday night. He backed his opponent up against the ropes all night, firing short, quick combinations. When Marquez would seem to get something going, Diaz would come forward even faster, forcing the champion to the ropes with a ferocious onslaught of violence.

And it wasn't enough.

Juan Maunel Marquez is just that good. Marquez fought back strong off the ropes each time he was forced into them. And when Juan Diaz came in hard with his head down one too many times, Marquez made him pay.

Marquez, using some of the most brutal uppercuts ever thrown (at least in Houston), turned the fight around, knocking out the courageous Juan Diaz in round 10 of their lightweight championship fight.

What a fight.

It was a true joy to be there, even all the way up in the cheap seats. The action was rough and tough. It was definitely a fight of the year candidate, even from the bleachers (without binoculars).

In the end, Juan Diaz just didn't have enough to defeat the living legend. He had a great game plan and fought his heart out. He just could not get it done. And there is absolutley no shame in that.

Congrats to both fighters for their exceptional performances. I look forward to seeing both fighters in the future. Hopefully, Floyd Mayweather will hear Marquez's call and come out of retirement for a superfight with the Mexican legend. And, there's no doubt we'll see Juan Diaz in another big fight soon.