JUAN Manuel Marquez was the last boxer that gave Manny Pacquiao problems inside the ring. He figured in two close bouts with Pacquiao in 2004 and 2008, wherein both fights could have gone either way.
Marquez could be Pacquiao?s next opponent in November and he has a plan on how to beat the Filipino superstar.
?You have to match his rhythm,? said the 37-year-old Mexican world champion in a report posted at The Examiner website. ?You have to match his speed with speed. And when he throws punches, you have to counter-punch with the same velocity.?
Marquez salvaged a draw against Pacquiao in their first encounter, despite being sent to the canvass thrice in the first round. He then lost by a split decision to the pound-for-pound king in their rematch four years after.
?Pacquiao has improved,? admitted Marquez. ?He has improved his right hand and uses it well; you could see it in his last fight against Shane Mosley.?
Marquez has been given an offer by Bob Arum?s Top Rank for a third bout with Pacquiao with a reported $5-million purse and a percentage in pay-per-view buys. But if Golden Boy Promotions has a chance to match Top Rank?s offer, then a third bout will be unlikely.
Pacquiao has been 7-0 with four knockouts and three world titles in three different divisions since his last meeting with Marquez. The Mexican boxing icon, on the other hand, is 4-1 with three knockouts and has been dominating the lightweight division, in which he currently holds the World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Association lightweight crowns.
