Manny Pacquiao said he understands why fans are clamoring for a fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico. Manny Pacquiao said that in his storied boxing career that has spanned 59 fights, it was only Marquez who has given him a real challenge.
“Our trilogy has been as exciting for us as it has been for boxing fans… His deliberate and patient style of fighting is a product that comes from experience, and experience against great opposition. He’s a brilliant counterpuncher,” Pacquiao said during an interview with ESPN.
All three Pacquiao vs Marquez bouts were hotly contested. The two first crossed paths in 2004, when the left-handed Pacquiao decked the Mexican three times in Round 1. But the gutsy Marquez was able to recover in the latter rounds and salvage a draw.
Four years later, the two figured in another close battle with Pacquiao winning by just a point due to his third-round knockdown of Marquez. The WBO champion again battled Marquez last November in a fight some quarters saw the Mexican winning. But despite looking vulnerable, Pacquiao was able to land more punches and pull off a majority decision.
“Juan really understands how to fight southpaws. He’s a very smart man and an excellent fighter,” said Pacquiao.
“I know the fans want to see a fourth fight between us, and I can understand why.”
Pacquiao echoed the sentiments of his coach, Freddie Roach.
“My trainer, Freddie Roach, has said many times that Juan is the only smart one out there — the only fighter who has figured me out,” he said.
That last fight is said to be one of the factors why Pacquiao chose to change his lifestyle. The WBO welterweight champion has dropped all his vices and renewed his Christian faith.
“That is a lesson experience has taught me,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao now focus on his June fight with the undefeated champion Timothy Bradley which will be held at the MGM Grand.
This fight will be competitive and in the end will give us a clear and final idea of exactly how much Pacquiao has left in the tank..I refuse to dismiss Timothy Bradley even with his historic lack of punching power as some have..on any given night even the best boxers in the world can lose.
I can definitely see Bradley giving all kinds of trouble to Pacquiao…frustrating trouble. Bradley brings a tough warrior mentality to the ring along with quickness. However, Pacquiao’s power will eventually get Bradley and make the difference in the decision.
yes, i agree with you pacquiao. it is not morales or cotto..you mention on other articles or interview with other media men that only morales was the hardest boxer you meet in the ring because you beat you on 1st fight. but when you meet morales on the 2nd and 3rd rematch, what happen to him, he was totally knockout. compared to marquez, yes you put him to canvass 3 times on your 1st encounter but he recover, then it will result to draw. on your 2nd rematch, you beat him by ananimous decision and on the 3rd rematch in other division(welterweight), still you won by ananimous decision but you can’t put him into canvass.
you can easily defeat cotto, de la hoya,hatton, margarito,mosley but for marquez, you feel hard to defeat him..so it’s not morales but marquez. i hope you agree with me