By Miguel Rivera

The World Boxing Organization has given Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40KOs) the number one ranking at 140-pounds, which positions him as the top challenger to junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16KOs).

Last month, Marquez dropped his WBO 140-pound title to challenge welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. Marquez lost that match by decision, but the WBO still recognizes him as the "super champion" at 140.

When Marquez dropped the WBO title, Mike Alvarado (then the interim-champion) was elevated to the status of full champion. Alvarado was then knocked out by Provodnikov.

Provodnikov has called out Marquez to a fight, with the Mexican star rejected that challenge and instead calling for a rematch with Bradley.