By John F. McKenna (McJack): Juan Manuel Marquez has acknowledged that the Manny Pacquiao he faces when he steps into the ring on November 12 will be better than the fighter he faced in 2004 and 2008.

WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) will fight WBO welterweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in their Trilogy to determine once and for all who the best fighter is.

It has generally been acknowledged by boxing fans and writers alike that “Pacman” has morphed into a better fighter and has shown marked improvement since 2008, which is the last time he fought Marquez.

In their first fight in 2004 at 126 pounds Marquez and Pacquiao fought to a controversial draw after “Dinamita” hit canvas three times in the first round. Marquez came on strong later in the fight to eke out a draw. The decision became controversial when it was disclosed that one of the judges erred on his scorecard depriving Pacquiao of the decision.

In the 2008 battle fought at 130 pounds, Pacquiao was awarded a razor thin split decision. Many boxing fans to this day believe Marquez won that fight, even though he again hit the canvas.

Since his loss to Pacquiao in 2008 Marquez has been beating the drums for a rematch, insisting that he won both previous fights. Manny has repeatedly gone on record to say that he will leave no doubt on November 12 as to who the winner is. In essence Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach want to shut up Marquez with a convincing, irrefutable win.

In admitting that Manny has become a better fighter Marquez was quoted in the Manila Standard saying:

“Last time, he only uses his left, but now he uses two hands very well. He has that right hand now, so I need to take care of myself very well. I expect the best Pacquiao in this fight. If people need to watch a great fight, this is the one. They need two great fighters and two warriors that will fight in the ring. Me and Pacquiao will do battle. I don’t think of the past two fights. This is the one I’m looking forward to.”

Both Marquez and Pacquaio will certainly give it their all on November 12. However, there are two big imponderables in the fight.

(1)Will the fact that Marquez turned 38 years old in August slow him down appreciably?

(2) Will the larger version of Pacquiao in 2011 be too much for Marquez to handle?

Both of those questions will be answered come fight night.