By John F. McKenna (McJack): In a ABS-CBN telephone interview, WBC, WBO Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) has promised to go toe to toe with the current pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s). The eagerly awaited trilogy will be held on November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

The Mexican legend admitted in the interview that he is “so emotional about this fight.”

Marquez also wants to let it be known that “It will definitely not be like the Manny Pacquiao – Shane Mosley fight where Mosley kept running. As best as I can I am going to fight him toe to toe and give the people what they want.

Marquez, who claims he was robbed of victory in the first two fights with Pacquiao concedes that this fight will be more difficult than their first two meetings. In their first fight on May 8, 2004 Marquez fought his way back to earn a draw with Pacquiao after he had been knocked down three times in the opening round. It was later revealed that judge Burt Clements incorrectly tabulated his scorecard which cost Manny the victory. Clements himself later admitted the error in an interview. Pacquiao won a controversial decision in a rematch on March 15, 2008.

Marquez has stated that he will train harder for this fight than for any other in his career and said that he has a “medical team” working with him on his power. Marquez also said that he intends to match Pacquiao’s power in this fight.

Marquez was quoted as saying “I will train the same way with more power and speed and I need to have that at its best.”

Marquez will be training in Mexico under newly inducted hall of fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain. Presently Juan is training for a tune up fight with Colombian southpaw Likar Ramos (24-3, 18 KO’s). One of Ramos’ losses was a 7th round knockout at the hands of Jorge Solis, who in turn was knocked out in the 8th round by Manny Pacquiao on April 14, 2007.

Marquez concluded by saying “I am preparing for a great victory for Mexico. I am going to come in strong and I am expecting a victory. We are going to have a great fight and everybody is going to love this fight.”

Juan Manuel Marquez will turn 38 years old on August 23, but is confident that through a vigorous training program and hard work his age will not be a detriment to him in his fight with Manny Pacquiao on November 12.