Jimrex Jaca, the boxer from Sibulan, Negros Oriental, lost to WBO interim featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked out the Filipino fighter in the ninth round, a report in www.philboxing.com said.

Marquez, who survived three knockdowns and salvaged a draw against Manny Pacquiao in 2004, was cut over his right eye, which Jaca tried to take advantage of. However, a big Marquez left sent the Filipino for the full count at the 2:48 mark, allowing the Mexican to retain his title, the boxing website reported.

"Jaca showed tonight that he is such a durable fighter, and someone who has a great promise as a young fighter. He gave Marquez a great fight, and HBO was happy with Jaca's performance," said promoter Oscar De la Hoya in an interview with philboxing.com.

De La Hoya, a former world champion, said that Jaca is a shoo-in as an undercard fighter for his May 5 showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Jaca gave a tremendous performance out there. He showed to the fans that he is such a durable and talented young kid, and after Marquez moves up in weight, I'm sure nobody can beat Jaca in the featherweight division," said De la Hoya, who added that undefeated Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista is also a big possibility on the May 5 card. *

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