JUAN Manuel Marquez admits that Manny Pacquiao is a better fighter now than when he fought the Filipino boxer the first time back in 2004.
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The Mexican warrior also knows that Pacquiao packs wallop in both fists, even likening the Filipino’s left hand to a bullet, which is “very powerful and very fast.”
With all the admiration Marquez has on Pacquiao, he still does not think the Filipino challenger has the tools to beat him.
“He has become a better fighter and he has a great trainer. It is a big responsibility for me taking this fight,” Marquez told EastSideBoxing.com.
“I know I can beat Manny Pacquiao and I want to come back him with my belt. It’s going to be a great fight,” Marquez added.
Marquez and Pacquiao are slated to square off for the latter’s World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight crown on March 15 (March 16 in Manila) at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
It took almost four years before the much-awaited rematch came to reality and boxing observers are expecting a match for ages between the two great ring gladiators.
Marquez also didn’t beat Pacquiao the first time as the first meeting, in a match also held in Las Vegas, was declared a draw.
But the 34-year-old Marquez is oozing with confident he will come out the winner this time around, even hinting of a knockout victory against the Filipino bomber.
Pacquiao, the 29-year-old punching machine from General Santos City, is also eyeing a victory when he steps into the ring days from now.
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s famed American trainer, is also seeing a crushing victory for his fighter
