Houston’s rising star in the boxing world, Giovanni Marquez, is making headlines not only for his undefeated record but also for his growing presence across the city’s sports and entertainment landscape. The 24-year-old super lightweight fighter boasts an impressive professional record of 13-0 with 6 knockouts, and his recent victory over Esteban Muñoz at OTX 13 added the WBA Continental Americas Gold title to his resume.
Born and raised in Houston, Giovanni is the son of Olympic boxer and former world champion Raul Marquez, and he’s embraced the pressure of carrying on the family legacy. Managed by David McWater and trained under the watchful eye of his father and grandfather Arturo, Giovanni blends old-school grit with modern talent. With a reach of 69 inches, a strong orthodox stance, and a career that began in 2022, Giovanni is gaining national recognition as the next big name out of Houston.
His dominance in the ring is matched by his efforts to stay connected to fans and the local community. On Saturday, June 8, 2025, Giovanni will appear at SaberCats Stadium as the Houston SaberCats take on Anthem RC. Before the match begins at 7:00 PM, fans will get the chance to meet Giovanni, take photos with him and his belt, and experience a unique crossover moment between Houston’s boxing and rugby cultures. This follows his recent role as honorary captain for the Houston Roughnecks on May 3 at TDECU Stadium, where he ran out with the team and was honored on the field.
Giovanni’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. He built his name from the ground up, earning national acclaim by winning the 152-pound National Golden Gloves title, which brought attention from major promoters. Since turning pro, he’s racked up wins against seasoned fighters like Jason Limon, Jayson Velez, and Cristian Dominguez. But beyond the stats, what sets Giovanni apart is his mindset. “We train like every fight is a world title fight,” he says. “I’m here to represent Houston and carry the Marquez name with pride.”
With goals of becoming a world champion and giving back to the city that raised him, Giovanni Marquez is more than just a fighter — he’s a brand, a role model, and the next face of Houston boxing. Whether it’s through the ropes or on the sidelines of a local sports team, his presence continues to grow. And one thing is clear: Houston is behind him every step of the way.