Will an agressive Marquez help Pacquiao?

By Boxing News - 11/05/2012 - Comments

Image: Will an agressive Marquez help Pacquiao?By John F. McKenna (McJack): The word coming out of the training camp of WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KO’s) is that he will be much more aggressive against his long time nemesis Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KO’s) when they clash for the 4th time at the MGM Grand Arena on December 8.

Both fighters are determined to put forth a dominating performance and both Marquez and Pacquiao are predicting that they will KO their opponent. “El Dinamita” believes that the key to victory for him is to take Pacquiao head on.

Whether or not the comments coming out of both camps, is simply a part of the pre fight hype designed to sell tickets is difficult to determine. Some boxing pundits have gone so far as to say that it will be more difficult to sell a 4th Marquez – Pacquiao fight to the fans than the first three. The first three fights, while entertaining, followed a pattern of “Pacman” being the aggressor while Marquez back pedaled looking for the opportunity to counter punch. To a large degree the fights have become predictable.

The Pacquiao camp too has indicated that Manny will try some new things for the 4th fight. There has been no hint as to what those new things will be. In fact trainer Freddie Roach has closed Manny’s training to all but those directly involved in the day to day activities.

For his part Marquez is training like there is no tomorrow and at 39 appears to have found the fountain of youth that has eluded the rest of us for hundreds of years. His physique has never looked better. “El Dinamita” believes in his heart that he won all three previous encounters with Pacquiao.

The 4th and hopefully last fight between Marquez and Pacquiao will be a testament as to who has the greatest desire to win. If Marquez carries through with his plan to be more aggressive it could work against him. Manny has a desire that those close to him have not seen in years. More than likely it would be detrimental for Marquez to attempt to fight Pacquiao on his own terms. As good as Marquez is, he has never shown that he has either the speed or power to aggressively go after Manny.



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