Nacho Beristain changing his tune on Marquez – Pacquiao

By Boxing News - 07/20/2011 - Comments

By John F. McKenna (McJack): The fight between WBO, WBA and Ring Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) is still four months away. To indicate how serious the challenge is for Marquez however, hall of fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain is already looking to put together a list of sparring partners for Marquez.

From his Romanza Gym in Mexico City, Beristain discussed preparations for the November showdown between Marquez and Pacquiao.

A key member of the team of sparring partners could be Antonio Fernandez, depending on what kind of condition he is in stated “Nacho”. Fernandez is a featherweight from Panama.

Beristain stated that Fernandez was a key in Marquez preparation for his previous two fights with Pacquiao.

“We are going to try and bring over Fernandez” said Beristain. “The truth is he helped us a lot in preparing for the two previous fights with Pacquiao.”

In earlier comments Bersistain stated the belief that this fight with Manny Pacquiao would be easier than the previous two for Marquez. Since those earlier comments however, the legendary trainer has changed his stance somewhat.

“He has to improve much, much more,” said Beristain. “More than anything he needs to get back the speed he had a few years back, and be flexible enough to dodge Pacquiao’s punches.”

Amazing candor from Marquez’ trainer, who just a couple of months ago sounded as though he thought Marquez had a good shot at beating Pacquiao. Or perhaps, “Nacho” let his guard down a bit and said what he has really thought all along.

Marquez will turn 38 years old on August 23. At this stage of his career it is unlikely that he will get the speed back he had a few years ago. That is the impossible dream Beristain is hoping for.

After his tune up fight last Saturday night in which he knocked out Likar Ramos in the first round, Marquez is on vacation with his family.

When he returns to Mexico City the long hard road to Manny Pacquiao begins.

On September 3 Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum will launch the world tour to hype the Marquez – Pacquiao fight. The tour will begin in the Philippines and end fittingly in Mexico City.



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