MANILA, Philippines – Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez was greatly satisfied with his 2012 boxing campaign, which saw him win a world title in a fourth weight class in April then notch the greatest victory of his career in December.

“I’m leaving this year with the satisfaction of two great fights,” Marquez told Boxing Scene. “First, I returned to fight in Mexico City, in the Mexico City Arena, which was a success.” 

Marquez easily routed Sergiy Fedchenko in April to win the interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) light-welterweight belt.

“The place was full, I got my fourth divisional title by winning the junior welterweight crown of the WBO, and I did that in front of my people and in my city,” Marquez said. “That gave me pride.”

“Then, on the 8th of December, I had the biggest fight of my life,” he added. “It was against a great fighter, a great character. I’m talking about (Manny) Pacquiao.”

On that day, Marquez fought his great rival, Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, for the fourth time, and this time, he refused to leave the fight at the hands of the judges.

Marquez knocked out Pacquiao with one second left in the sixth round, a sensational stoppage that earned “Knockout of the Year” honors from many media outlets.

“I demonstrated who was the best in this fight and our previous meetings where I had been robbed. I won as I should have – with a knockout. That was the only way to do it,” Marquez said.

As for his plans in 2013, Marquez said he has not made a decision yet and will have to talk to his family about his next step.

“I will sit down to discuss this with my family, and together we will see what is next,” he said.