By John F. McKenna (McJack): After two weeks of training in Manila, World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) is looking forward to the high altitude training in Baguio City to begin. With much of the rust already shaken off Manny’s strength and power are starting to come back.

“Pacman”, eager to get a jump start on the preparation for his huge fight with WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) started training ahead of schedule in Manila before the trek to Baguio City where serious training begins.

Pacquiao and Marquez will meet for their long anticipated Trilogy on November 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Their first fight at 126 pounds in 2004 was called a draw despite Pacquiao having floored Marquez three times in the 1st round. Marquez came back in the latter stages of the match to make it a very competitive fight. It was later discovered that one of the judges made an ehrror in tabulating his score card, depriving Pacquiao of victory.

In the 2nd fight in 2008 fought at 130 pounds Pacquaio won a razor thin split decision. Many people feel that Marquez legitimately won that fight, despite “Dinamita” again having been floored. Marquez is of the opinion that he won both of the previous encounters and has been calling for a rematch since the conclusion of the 2nd fight.

Pacquiao is already reaping the rewards of beginning his training program early and will use the high altitude of Baguio City to build upon what was started in Manila. Long time trainer Freddy Roach will arrive at training camp tomorrow to assist Manny in preparing for Marquez.

There are many who think “Dinamita” has Pacquiao’s number and even at the age of 38 Manny is under no illusions. Marquez has said that unlike Shane Mosley, who put on a disappointing performance against “Pacman” in May, he is coming to fight. The fact that Manny began his training program a couple of weeks early, is an indication that he too thinks it is going to be a difficult fight.

Unlike Pacquiao’s last match against Mosley, which was on Showtime, the Pacquiao – Marquez Trilogy will be aired on HBO Pay Per View (PPV). Top Rank CEO Bob Arum believes that the PPV buys for Pacquiao – Marquez will exceed the 1.4 million PPV’s for Pacquiao – Mosley.

Pacquiao should benefit against Marquez in the latest matchup because he has put on a significant amount of muscle and now fights at welterweight. “Pacman’s” advantage over Marquez will be compounded in that he has retained his speed at the higher wait. Marquez on the other hand has struggled at the higher weight and at 38 has given some indication that he is starting to slow down.