HBO’s hit late-night boxing series presents a special Thanksgiving edition when HBO Boxing After Dark: Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Jimrex Jaca is seen Saturday, Nov. 25 at 10:15 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, Tex., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team of Fran Charles, Max Kellerman and Emanuel Steward will be ringside for the event, which will be presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
HBO2 playdates: Nov. 26 (9:00 AM, 5:45 PM) and 28 (11:45 PM). Former featherweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez (45-3-1, 34 KOs), from Anaheim, Cal., faces Jimrex Jaca (27-2-1, 12 KOs), from Cebu City, Philippines, in a scheduled 12-round, 126-pound contest. Considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, Marquez is still remembered for his epic 2004 battle with Manny Pacquiao. Despite being knocked down three times in the first round, Marquez fought back to earn a controversial draw and retain his crown. Having fallen from the spotlight over the last two years, he now looks to reclaim his place as the division’s premier fighter.
Standing in his way is the tough but untested Jimrex Jaca. Fresh from a victory over Hector Javier Marquez last July 2, Jaca now takes a significant leap up in competition, and could instantly become a legitimate title contender with a victory.