LAS VEGAS (Reuters) – Filipino Manny Pacquiao said he was hungry to take on champion Juan Manuel Marquez in their WBC super featherweight title rematch on Saturday after admitting he underestimated the Mexican in their 2004 bout.
Pacquiao, who has won 45 of his 50 fights, knocked down his opponent three times in the opening round and appeared on the verge of an early victory before Marquez battled back to earn a draw.
“When I dropped him three times in the first round I thought that fight was over,” Pacquiao told reporters.
“I couldn’t believe it. I totally underestimated Marquez in the first fight.”
Since then Pacquiao has sung, acted and even run for political office but is now focused on his world title tilt in Las Vegas.
“It’s hard to make movies, do other things and also be in boxing,” he said. “I trained hard for this fight because when I saw my performances in my last two fights, it wasn’t the hungry Manny Pacquiao who started out.
“I realize that and I told myself I needed to push myself hard or I’m not Manny Pacquiao.”
Marquez, who has 48 victories from 52 fights, rejected the financial terms on offer for a proposed 2005 rematch and traveled instead to Indonesia where he lost his WBA and IBF featherweight titles to local favorite Chris John.
He stepped up to super featherweight in 2007 and won the world title by defeating compatriot Marco Antonio Barrera.
Marquez said the rematch with Pacquiao was essential for him to consider his career complete.
“I need it because in 2004 I won that fight and they gave me a draw. I just wanted to prove myself and prove to the people I am the better fighter,” he said.
“I wanted this fight very bad. I’ve been waiting for it for a very long time.”
