Boxing: Marquez too powerful for battling Diaz.

Byline: By Dan Williams 

SATURDAY night's all right for fighting, and Elton John's little ditty is bang on about tonight's menu.

ITV4, Sky Sports and Setanta are all screening top-quality action, with the most explosive clash likely to come in the early hours when Juan Manuel Marquez battles Juan Diaz for the world lightweight title in Texas.

And what a battle it promises to be. Marquez is 8-13 favourite, and is eyeing a third fight against pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao should he see off Diaz.

In 2004, Marquez recovered from three first-round knockdowns against Pac-Man to eventually earn a draw, and dropped a split decision in a rematch last year despite many observers crediting him with the win.

Diaz won't stop coming forward and throwing shots, but Marquez looks value at 6-5 to get the decision after a typically sensational scrap.

Earlier in the night, European lightweight champion John Thaxton defends his belt in Norwich against French champ Anthony Mezaache, and is a good bet at 6-4 to get the stoppage.

Age-proof European heavyweight champion Matt Skelton is 2-9 to add the Commonwealth strap when he clashes with Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan.

And Skybet rate German Karo Murat a 2-7 shot to hold on to his European super-middleweight title when he faces Italian veteran Cristian Sanavia.

Recommendations

J M Marquez to win on points 2pts 6-5 Skybet

J Thaxton to win by stoppage 2pts 6-4 Bet365, Ladbrokes

CAPTION(S):

Juan Manuel Marquez looks a value favourite tonight