As we count the days to November 12, 2011, the date Juan Manuel Marquez enters a boxing ring for the third time against Manny Pacquiao, one of the key factors his detractors point to is age.
Leading experts theorize that a 38 year Marquez, who has shows signs of athletic aging in recent years, will be out gunned by a younger, larger Manny Pacquiao at the 144 pound catch-weight contracted for the battle.
Marquez admits that the age factor is significant, but it will not keep him from fighting for victory.
“I understand age is important,” said Marquez. “but it does not keep me from dreaming.” Advertisement
Marquez has not had to look far for inspiration. On May 21, of this year, former promotional stablemate Bernard Hopkins captured a piece of light heavyweight championship at the age of 46 – the oldest any man has won a world championship in boxing.
The lightweight champion, a native of Mexico City, also believes Manny Pacquiao’s team has stretched the time between rematches to try and gain the advantage in age.
“I think it is a strategy Pacquiao’s team has used,” said Marquez. “They waited four years to make this fight (the previous one taking place in 2008) and the first was in 2004. It looks like they think believe I have diminished.”
