Timothy Bradley, Juan Manuel Marquez easily make weight, set for WBO welterweight title fight

LAS VEGAS -- Juan Manuel Marquez, seeking to become the first Mexican to win a world title in a fifth weight class, weighed in Friday at a career-high 144.5 at the Encore Theater, but didn't look quite as physically big in the upper body as he did in December when he weighed 143 before knocking out Manny Pacquiao.

WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley easily made weight, coming in at 146 and appearing to be in great condition.

Nothing surprised Bradley about Marquez's weight. Bradley told Yahoo Sports in a brief post-weigh-in interview that it went as expected.

"He's a smaller guy coming up to 47 and I wasn't surprised at all," Bradley said. "The weight cut was easy for me, man. It was easy work. I had breakfast this morning and did a light little run. I just wanted to stay loose and keep my mind going. I feel pretty good. Actually, I feel great."

Marquez has won world championships at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight. He is bidding to become the first Mexican and just the sixth man in history to win titles in five weight classes.

Bradley, who is looking for a win over Marquez to bolster his Hall of Fame resume, proclaimed himself eager to go to battle.

"It's going to be an interesting night, man," Bradley said. "I'm excited about this opportunity. I can't wait to get it on. I want to feel this guys."

Former world champion Miguel Cotto said he was eager to watch the bout, but said it was too close to pick a winner.

"The counterpunching of Marquez is good and Marquez is a very smart fighter," Cotto said. "There is very little [separating] them. Very tough fight in my opinion."

In the co-feature, Orlando Cruz weighed 126 and Orlando Salido was 125, so they made weight for the bout for the vacant WBO featherweight title.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist, making his U.S. debut, weighed 125. Jose "Negro" Ramirez was 126.5.