After their hellacious, give-and-take slugfest four years ago, Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao are anxious to override their draw and prove superiority over the other. What can you expect from the proud fighters? Houston previews Marquez-Pacquiao II ? Marquez: Mexico’s premier fighter steps into the spotlight ? his key fights | Zoom gallery ? Pacquiao: Filipino fighter looks to himself for inspiration ? his key fights | Chat wrap
Graham Houston Although Manny Pacquiao’s speed and power are going to be a constant threat, I am leaning toward the very sound technical boxing ability of Juan Manuel Marquez getting him through this fight with a win on points. However, as I mention in my preview, it is imperative that Marquez does not caught early, because I do not think he will be able to overcome a shaky start this time. He needs to get right into the fight, but in a careful, disciplined way, and then hopefully start to come on with jabs, counters and his straight right hands down the middle. Boxing a perfect fight against someone such as Pacquiao might not be possible, but if Marquez keeps mistakes to a minimum I do feel that he can upset the odds.
Don Steinberg Marquez is a Hall of Fame fighter — with stamina and heart to match his talent. But Pacquiao seems to be in another stratum right now, just hitting his prime and better schooled than ever. I’ll take Pacquiao by decision, doing a better job of stopping Marquez’s middle-rounds surge than last time.
