By John F. McKenna (McJack): WBO/WBA/RING lightweight champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) says that WBO welterweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao must defeat him before even thinking about a fight with Floyd Mayweather. Marquez and Pacquiao will square off on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Marquez is in the Philippines to kick off the World Press Tour to hype his showdown with Pacquiao. In an interview with “Unang Hirit” Marquez said “A lot of people say ‘I want to see the fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather.’ He needs to win over me first.
The important date for me is November 12. I don’t think more, I don’t see in the future.”
Marquez fought Pacquiao in 2004 at 126 pounds and again in 2008 at 130 pounds with both fights ending in controversy. The 2004 fight was called a draw despite pacquaio scoring three first round knockdowns. It was later revealed that one of the judges incorrectly tabulated his scorecard which deprived Manny of victory. In the second fight in 2008 Pacquiao won a razor thin decision. Marquez has maintained all along that he won both previous matchups.
Marquez also said during the interview “Yes, this fight is different. The preparation is very hard for this fight because Manny is a great fighter. I need to train very hard because I want to win. I’m looking for the victory and I need to train very hard for this fight.”
Marquez said that in particular he will focus on speed and strength for the Pacquiao fight because he will be fighting in a higher weight class.
“I need more pounds for this fight. I need to train very hard for the strength, speed. I have my team I have my doctor to help me with this fight.”
Marquez noted that Pacquiao has started training already even though the fight is still ten weeks away. Marquez in his heart not only believes he won the first two fights with Pacquiao, he also believes he will be victorious on November 12. He senses also that Manny started training ahead of schedule because he knows the Trilogy fight will be a very difficult one for him as well.
While Pacquiao is a huge favorite to win the Trilogy against Marquez, many boxing fans believe that “Dinamita” has his number. Even Pacquiao’s loyal fans acknowledge that the fight will be a competitive one.
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