Manny Pacquiao predicted yesterday that if he keeps true to his preparations he will beat Juan Manuel Marquez when they meet March 15 next year in Las Vegas.
“When I am in perfect condition, I am hard to beat,” Pacquiao said yesterday during a hurriedly called press conference to hype his coming encounter with the Mexican champion.
Pacquiao appeared so juiced up this early for the Marquez rematch that he could not help throw a bit of machismo in his remarks, saying he was ready to fight Marquez with bare hands if he so dares. That statement drew cheers from the press who became instant fans.
“If Marquez likes it, we can fight with our bare hands,” he said.
This will be the second fight between the two boxers. In the first, held in May 2004, Pacquiao sent Marquez down thrice in the first round but had to settle for a controversial 12-round split draw.
While Pacquiao, who turned 29 last Monday, admitted that he was more jittery when he faced Marco Antonio Barrera in a rematch last October compared with the upcoming Marquez showdown, he is wary of what Marquez could do.
“I was more nervous when I fought Barrera (the second time) but it doesn?t mean I am looking past him (Marquez). I have to train long and hard also for Marquez,” said Pacquiao, who has been told by trainer Freddie Roach to prepare for eight weeks of hard workout at the Wild Card in Hollywood.
Under Roach?s plan, Pacquiao should be at the Wild Card by mid-January.
“Manny will have two weeks of conditioning here in the Philippines then he goes to the States,” said Roach, who nevertheless is upbeat that Pacquiao will get to settle the score.
“Marquez has the most awkward style for Manny but we can fight much better this time compared with the last time. Manny only used his left hand in that fight and he forgot his right (hand) in his pocket.”
“Now, Marquez will have to deal with two hands,” Roach said, who has been training Pacquiao since 2001.
Arum expects a sellout crowd at the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas but is more concerned about the pay-per-view revenue.
“We are targeting 500,000 buys for this one,” said Arum, noting that he is optimistic that the previous-high of 350,000 will be surpassed.
“One thing that will resonate to the people will be Pacquiao versus Marquez,” Arum said when asked what would be the working title for the much-awaited rematch.
Although Pacquiao has left a trail of broken Mexican dreams on his way to the top of the 130-lb class, Marquez, 34, continues to possess a mystique of invincibility.
Ringsiders believe Marquez?s excellent counter-punching style, ring savvy and the presence of Nacho Baristain in his corner are prime ingredients for a victory.
Pacquiao parades a 45-3-2 win-loss-draw card with 35 knockouts, while Marquez sports a 48-3-1 slate, also with 35 wins inside the distance.
Top Rank will be joined by Oscar De La Hoya?s Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Marquez, in staging one of 2008?s most-anticipated encounter.
Tickets, which will go on sale on Friday, are priced at 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0.
