As expected, the 25-year Diaz (34-2, 17 KO) held the advantage in speed against the 35-year old champion Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO, Lineal/Ring/WBA/WBO). For the first six rounds, it framed the fight.

Marquez had handled Diaz’s best and shown himself to be better. He had adjusted and discovered precisely what he needed to do to win. Diaz, however, had not yet figured out a solution to Marquez.