Juan Manuel Marquez eyes two more fights before retiring

FILE –Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates his victory over Mike Alvarado at The Forum on May 17, 2014 in Inglewood, California. Jeff Gross/Getty Images/AFP

Knowing that the end of his boxing career is just right around the corner, Juan Manuel Marquez admits that he’s gunning to hit the ring for two more times before he calls it quits.

Speaking to ESPN, the four-time world titlist said that is definitely his plan.

“That’s what I’d like,” said Marquez. “Let’s see if things work out so that it can happen. I’d like a fight in Mexico – I don’t know whether at the Azteca stadium, in the Mexico City Arena, and probably one more in other city, but we’ll see how things are going. For now, that’s what I want.”

The 42-year-old, who has won belts in featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight divisions, has not fought since beating Mike Alvarado via unanimous decision for the WBO International Welterweight title on May 2014.

Marquez, who has nursed a knee injury since that fight, is strongly considering a move up to the welterweight class, virtually sealing a bout against Miguel Cotto.

“That’s my wish: to do two more fights,” Marquez said. “Let’s see if my body responds and things go in the right direction. I don’t want to rush anything, but that is the idea. I have to say goodbye to boxing after 30 years of being an amateur and professional.”