DeMarco Shines in First Title Defense, Rematch with Linares Looms

This past weekend, in his fist title defense, Antonio DeMarco (26-2, 20 KOs) retained his WBC lightweight championship with a spectacular performance, knocking out Miguel “Mickey” Roman (37-10, 28 KOs) in the fifth round. The victory has opened up a floodgate of opportunities for DeMarco who hails from Los Mochis, Mexico, but a rematch with Jorge Linares is what’s up next.

DeMarco defeated Linares in dramatic fashion last October, a fight which took place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Behind on the scorecards, DeMarco showed why he’s one of boxing’s true warriors, rallying to triumph by 11th-round TKO.

Said his promoter, Gary Shaw, “DeMarco’s dream of becoming a world champion was fulfilled when he beat Jorge Linares and he’s not going to let anyone take it away from him. The fact the he knocked out Roman for the first time in his career means he’s all business. A rematch with Linares is being negotiated and a tentative date has been set for July 7 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

“I’m working out the details for this fight to happen because I know the fans want to see these two warriors go at it again. DeMarco never backs down from the toughest challenges and he’ll be ready for Linares come fight night.”

Added DeMarco, “I am the true WBC Champion. I fight for my country, the WBC, and my family. No one will take this Green Belt from me as I have dedicated my life to win the WBC World Title. I will never forget that Jose Sulaiman gave me the opportunity to fight for the World Title. I want to thank my promoter Gary Shaw, who has always believed in me.”