World Boxing Association/International Boxing Federation featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez has had a hearty laugh over claims by Ring Magazine champion Manny Pacquiao that the fight would be like going up against a nightclub bouncer, saying ?Manny?s talk means nothing. Backing it up in the ring is another matter.?
In a conversation with well-known boxing writer James Blears of the widely ready Web site Boxing Scene, Marquez, who is regarded as an excellent ring technician and a skillful counter puncher said, ?Oh I think we?ll see, won?t we? It?s going to be one tough fight. I know his style and he knows mine and I?m sure it?s going to be a really great fight.?
Looking ahead at their scheduled Feb. 26 rematch in Las Vegas, Marquez stressed that ?just because Manny defeated Marco Antonio Barrera, doesn?t mean he had overcome the whole world.?
Reacting to rumors about what Blears describes as ?the cavalier approach by Pacquiao to the hard grind of training to peak fitness for the fight of his life,? Marquez said that any last-minute injury excuse from an under-prepared Pacquiao ?won?t cut much ice.?
?A postponement isn?t possible. We have an obligation to television and to our fans to be in the ring and ready to fight. We must arrive there in top condition and any last-minute protest about an injury just would not be valid. I?m expecting this second fight will be a war and I?m preparing accordingly,? said Marquez.
While Marquez, who started training last November, ?is already incorporating high altitude conditioning into his program and will start sparring sessions next Wednesday? according to Blears, Pacquiao has had a series of late nights playing pool and returning to his BF Homes, Para?aque home in the morning. This caused consternation among members of Team Pacquiao and promoting some fans who placed bets on his victory to start pulling out.
Pacquiao?s tickets have arrived and he is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles today along with Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez.
He is expected to report to trainer Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym on Monday to begin serious preparations for the crucial rematch, which Pacquiao needs to win to ensure a July showdown with Erik Morales.
