Marquez sure of victory against Pacquiao

By Boxing News - 08/22/2011 - Comments

By John F. McKenna (McJack): WBO/WBA/Ring lightweight champion Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (54-5-1, 39 KO’s) concedes that defeating WBO welterweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) will not be an easy task, but still insists that he has the formula to defeat Manny and that he has his number.

The Mexican legend will square off against Pacquiao in their Trilogy on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Dinamita” has long said that he won the two previous fights against “Pacman” in 2004 and 2008. The 2004 fight at 126 pounds was called a draw when one of the judges incorrectly tabulated his scorecard depriving Pacquiao of victory. Marquez had been floored three times in that fight, but Juan turned the fight around and took over in the later rounds.

In the second fight in 2008 at 130 pounds Pacquiao eked out a razor thin win after Marquez was once again knocked down. Many boxing fans agree with Marquez’s belief that he won both the 2004 and 2008 fights. Marquez has been beating the drums for a third match with Pacquiao ever since the 2008 fight and he finally got his wish.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum plans to make the third fight between Marquez and Pacquiao the biggest yet. The much ballyhooed world tour to hype the Marquez – Pacquiao Trilogy will begin on September 3 in Manila with a press conference at the Manila Hotel. Marquez, his trainer Nacho Beristain and the Marquez entourage are sure to receive a warm welcome in Manila where “Dinamita” is well respected by the Filipino fans. The tour will end fittingly in Mexico City. Arum is hoping that Pacquiao’s increasing world wide exposure in recent months will aid in the PPV buys for the fight.

Pacquiao will return to cable giant HBO for the Marquez fight after a one fight stint at Showtime for the Mosley bout. The Pacquiao – Mosley fight in May resulted in 1.3 million Pay Per View (PPV) buys. Arum is hopeful that the Trilogy will top 1.4 million buys.

Marquez will be 38 years old on August 23 and it is thought by some that his age will factor into the outcome of the fight. The fight will be at a catch-weight of 144 pounds which figures to benefit Pacquiao who has handled the extra weight without the loss of speed or power. Marquez on the other hand has struggled when he goes above the lightweight limit.



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