LAS VEGAS ? Inside the main broadcast center of the MGM Grand, a very familiar figure spoke quietly about the biggest fight of this generation.
He?s one of the very few men, one of only five boxers, who had faced both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. inside the ring.
Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico is here to work Saturday?s big fight for ESPN Deportes, a Spanish language sports network.
In one far-end corner of the room, Marquez granted short interviews.
Marquez was straight to the point.
?I think Mayweather will win,? said the 41-year-old counterpuncher, who faced Pacquiao four times and may fight him once more. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
?We really don?t know what will happen inside the ring. We might have surprises but I think Mayweather will win,? said Marquez.
The first three fights between Pacquiao and Marquez were close, a draw and two decisions for the Filipino. The fourth one, which took place in 2012, was conclusive.
Marquez looked in trouble when Pacquiao got careless and got caught by a knockout punch with only a second left in the sixth round.
In 2009, Marquez faced Mayweather. It was a one-sided contest that ended in favor of the undefeated American.
Marquez looked good in a business suit when he talked to members of the Philippine media.
Actually, he sounded torn between Pacquiao and Mayweather.
?I think this is a tough fight for both fighters. But it will be a difficult fight for Manny,? he said.
It?s Mayweather?s defensive style which makes it very difficult for his opponents who all failed in 47 attempts.
?Many people know Mayweather?s style. He uses his legs more on the ring. He uses distance. Maybe it?s a difficult fight for Manny I think,? Marquez said.
But he?s not seriously discounting the possibility of a victory for Pacquiao, who has racked up three straight wins, clear wins over Brandon Rios, Tim Bradley and Chris Algieri since that horrific loss to Marquez.
The Mexican legend thinks that knockout loss is no longer in play in this fight.
?I don?t think so. Pacquiao has prepared himself very well ? mentally for this fight. I don?t think it affected his punch when I knocked him out,? he said.
?Mayweather has a difficult style. A great defense. He wants to use his defense in the ring. Mayweather has the perfect style to win this fight.
?But if Pacquiao wins this fight, it?s better for me,? said Marquez, without committing himself to a fifth fight with the Filipino.
Marquez hasn?t fought for a year since beating Mike Alvarado. In that fight, he said he hurt his right knee, and it?s been hurting ever since.
?I have pain right now. So, I don?t know. Maybe I can retire or fight again. I don?t know. I do rehabilitation but even my doctor don?t know when I can fight again,? he said.
Marquez fought Mayweather with the hope of being the first man to beat Mayweather inside the ring. But he said he couldn?t do anything to win the fight.
Mayweather, he said, is just too difficult to hit.
?I wanted to land a punch but never. I can?t. Pacquiao, maybe. I don?t know,? he said.
Pacquiao may have the power and the speed but Mayweather had the style, the experience and the defense.
?I want Manny Pacquiao to win this fight. If Pacquiao wins, it?s better for me. I want Manny Pacquiao to win this fight. My heart is for Pacquiao as a boxer.
?But I think Mayweather will win because of his style, his defense. Everybody knows Mayweather,? said Marquez.
Mayweather never loses.
