Earlier today the second leg of the press tour for the November 13th Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito bout took place in New York City. Yesterday each fighter exuded extreme confidence while speaking from Beverly Hills, California and despite the change in location the overall tone remained the same.
?Here we go again,? Pacquiao would say as he addressed the media. By this point in his career the festivities related to a big fight are like second hand nature to the Filipino icon, who will be gunning for a title in a record eighth weight division.
?I want to thank everybody,? Pacquiao said. ?Especially the media, press and HBO for supporting us. All I can say is that it is going to be a good fight. We know that Margarito loves to throw a lot of punches and he is a very aggressive fighter. Margarito is taller than me and bigger than me and it?s unfair to judge that he can?t do anything.?
In Margarito we will find Pacquiao facing yet another opponent who is seemingly bigger and stronger than he is. While that was never an issue for Pacquiao in his victories over Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey he seems to recognize the danger that Margarito possesses.
?He?s the kind of opponent that may look easy but when you get into the ring it?s going to be hard,? Pacquiao said of his Tijuana foe. ?He?s very aggressive and is going to throw a lot of punches and that?s opposite of my last opponent [Clottey]. This guy wants to fight toe to toe and that?s what people love.?
While Margarito is still trying to redeem his image from the one-year suspension that sidetracked his career you will never be able to deny his entertainment value as a fighter. The rugged brawler was at one time regarded as one of the world?s premier fighters and is looking to reclaim his status in the sport with a resounding victory over Pacquiao, who is a -525 betting favorite.
?Pacquiao is a great fighter and I expect a tough fight but we are putting Mexico?s name in the highest because I will win,? Margarito continued with confidence. ?I?m still very hungry. I?ve always wanted to be a WBC champion. Pacquiao?s a great fighter. I expect a tough fight. I?m going to win this fight.?
Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach has dismissed the threat that Margarito presents, noting that skill, and not size, is what wins fights. Roach stated that his charge Pacquiao is the most skilled fighter in the sport and expects a knockout victory on the 13th.
On the other side of the fence Margarito?s trainer Roberto Garcia has been adamant about an upset happening. The former IBF junior lightweight champion was known best for his battles in the ring against Diego ?Chico? Corrales and Joel Casamayor. He is one of he most sought out after trainers today and also works with interim WBA super flyweight champion Nonito Donaire. His chemistry with Margarito will be put to the test when the two fighters collide in a few months time.
For images from today?s presser please check out the slideshow below?
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at
