By John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) maintains that he is a far better fighter now than the one who fought WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008. Coupled with the other improvements “Pacman” has made since 2008 he believes that his power will make a big difference when he squares off in 9 more days against “El Dinamita”.

Pacquiao and Marquez will fight for the 3rd time before a packed house in excess of 16,000 boxing fans on November 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao believes that Marquez will be making a big mistake if he thinks that he will be facing the same fighter he fought in the 2nd fight in 2008.

Manny believes that it is him and not Marquez who has drastically improved as a fighter over the last 3 years. “Pacman” believes that he has perfected the technique to make Marquez not only look bad but prove to the world that he is the superior fighter.

Pacquiao was quoted in the Manila Bulletin saying the following:

“I think I am a lot better now. My power has made a big difference. It’s going to be different when he steps into the ring with me. We know his weaknesses but we won’t tell you what they are.”

Despite the closeness of their first two matches Paquiao has been installed as a solid 8 – 1 favorite against Marquez. Part of the reason Manny is such a heavy favorite is that Marquez is now 38 years old and is thought by some boxing observers to have slowed down slightly. Pacquiao on the other hand at 33 is at the peak of his physical prowess. In addition Manny has gotten bigger. In 2004 Pacquiao and Marquez fought at 126 pounds and in their 2008 matchup they fought at 130 pounds. Since 2008 however, Pacquiao has put on a considerable amount of weight by gradually adding muscle and now fights at welterweight. In his one fight at welterweight Marquez appeared uncomfortable but the reason for that may have been that he was fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Both Pacquiao and Marquez are highly motivated for their November 12 fight. Marquez truly believes that he was robbed of victory in the previous two encounters. Pacquaio on the other hand wants to prove to the world once and for all that he is the superior fighter.

The Pacquiao – Marquez Trilogy will be aired by HBO and will be a Pay Per View (PPV) event. HBO after a series of less than spectacular fights is hoping that the Pacquiao – Marquez trilogy will turn things around and be the fight that lives up to its hype.