On March 13th, undefeated prospect Roberto Marroquin gave his hometown fans at Cowboys Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, what they wanted: a spectacular second-round knock out win. Tonight, the talented featherweight returns to pro football’s $1.2 billion crown jewel for an eight-round fight against Francisco Dominguez on the Pacquiao-Margarito undercard. Naturally, Marroquin hopes to deliver another crowd-pleasing victory.
We talked with him about his decision to move to L.A. earlier this year, his future plans, and the importance of having a supportive family.
You had temporarily relocated to L.A. Are you still there?
We did move out there; we were thinking about going in with [MANNY PACQUIAO trainer] Freddie Roach. But, you know, it was a great atmosphere [at Roach’s Wild Card gym] being around all those top prospects in boxing, like JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. It was great motivation. But we’re gonna need a coach that’s gonna be there and dedicate their entire time to the training sessions, not just 20 minutes or 30 minutes for the mitt work. We need a little bit more than that. I mean, don’t get me wrong: Freddie Roach is a great trainer. But I also need some time for myself to prepare.
We brought in Daniel Smith from Arkansas. He’s worked in many training camps with Floyd Mayweather, Fernando Vargas and many other world champions. So, you know, it’s been a very intense training camp. It’s been great. I feel better than ever. And we’re ready.
Are you living back here in Dallas?
Yes, sir. The past month we’ve been training here.
So, it’s just recently that you came back?
Yes. You know, we’re still thinking about going down to L.A. They have great sparring partners over here. I know there’s not a lot of great sparring partners [in Dallas]. We got some great amateur prospects. And some prospects in the professionals. But it’s nothing like the sparring partners down in the L.A. area.
Are you still going to school?
I definitely am. I’m attending Northwood University, and I’m pursuing a degree in accounting. I’ve been traveling a lot, so I had to take some online courses, which slowed it down a bit. But it’s better than nothing.
This is your second time coming back to Cowboys Stadium. How does that feel?
It’s great just being here in the area where I was born and raised, being surrounded by all this family, friends. To me, I think what’s actually made me the man I am today, has been my family support. To be honest with you, I’ve never really imagined myself in being in this place-especially being in an arena like Cowboys Stadium. It’s just a phenomenal place.
You’re continuing to progress in your career. If you get a win on Saturday, what’s next?
I trust Top Rank. I trust [Hall of Fame matchmaker] Mr. Bruce Trampler. They’ve taken the slow road. I know sometimes I get a little frustrated. I get a little anxious and stuff. I want a title shot; I want this and that. But, you know, we gotta take it a step at a time. I’m in great hands. I trust them.
