Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao believes ex-foe Marco Antonio Barrera has what it takes to win over another former rival Juan Manuel Marquez this coming weekend.
In a long distance telephone interview Pacquiao said Barrera throws more quality punches apart from having better ring craft compared to the usually rugged Marquez.
“Barrera has the edge and I guess he will win this fight,” said Pacquiao a few hours before plunging into another set of sparring session yesterday in General Santos City.
The 33-year-old Barrera will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) superfeatherweight crown versus Marquez in a 12-round bout this weekend at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
When asked about the chances of Marquez, Pacquiao said the former world featherweight kingpin should pressure Barrera from the opening bell.
“Barrera is one of the best tacticians of the sport. For Marquez to win this fight he needs to turn this into a brawl,” added Pacquiao.
The 28-year-old Pacquiao recorded one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he hammered Barrera from pillar to post en route to scoring an emphatic 11th round TKO victory last November 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
On the other hand the 33-year-old Marquez recovered from three first round knockdowns to escape with a tough split draw with Pacquiao in their own 12-round duel last May 2004 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao added that Barrera remains the same Mexican warrior he’s known despite the beating the Mexican got from the Filipino ring hero.
“He is still on top of his game I guess. That is why I feel he will win this weekend,” added Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is expected to be at ringside not only to watch the Barrera-Marquez showdown but also to root for close friend Gerry Pe?alosa.
The 34-year-old Pe?alosa will try to snatch the World Boxing Organization (WBO) superbantamweight crown from current ruler Daniel Ponce De Leon of Mexico.
Pacquiao meanwhile has added RP light welterweight contender Arniel Tinampay to his wilting row of sparring partners a few days before his departure for the United States.
Pacquiao is set to meet undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis on April 14 at the Alamodome.
In training, Pacquiao has been feasting on the likes of Cesar Angcahas and Arnel Porras as both have to endure not only the scorching heat inside the ABAP Gym in General Santos City but also the equally blistering punches of the soon-to-be-politician boxer.
Pacquiao’s mind is also focused on winning a congressional seat in the coming May national and local elections.
