"That was 2001. Barrera was taking out Hamed, Morales was establishing himself at 126, Marquez was fighting Jonnie Walker. Great. " There's a tone there. Regarding past their prime. How can anyone watch JMM's speed against Casamayor and Juan Diaz and say he was in his prime at lightweight at 35 after over fifty pro fights? He had clearly lost a tic despite any recent performances.
"tic" maybe, but he wasn't dreadfully past his bests days. When your supposed best days are spent fighting Jhonnie Walker, Robbie Peden and Manuel Medina, what other conclusions should we come too? He stepped up and fought the best fighter in the world in 2007 and put on a career best performance in a losing effort, the weight at 135 slowed him down, but for the fights at 130...I don't see Marquez being any lesser a fighter than he was at 126.