MANILA, Philippines ? Fight fans should watch out for the first big punch in the Manny Pacquiao versus Juan Manuel fight because it will be one of the most important punches of the bout, said boxing analyst Hermie Rivera.
?Sino ang makakaunang makakapatama ng matinding suntok? Whoever does that gains ?yung unang bentahe (Who will land the first big punch? Whoever does that will gain the advantage),? he said.
The boxing scholar said the November 12 face-off between Pacquiao and Marquez will be a great battle because both boxers are trying to prove something.
?It?s going to be magandang-maganda (It?s going to be a beautiful fight),? he mused.
Rivera, however, said the 144-pound catchweight gives Pacquiao a big advantage over the Mexican champion.
?Iba na kasi ang suntok ni Manny sa 144-145 pounds. At kung napagulong niya sa kumportableng weight na ito si [Miguel] Cotto at Shane Mosley? paano pa si Marquez?? he said.
(Manny?s punch is different at 144-145 pounds. If he knocked down at this comfortable weigh the likes of Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley? what will happen to Marquez?)
Rivera said the gutsy Mexican has a chance to pull off an upset.
?Ang chance nandoon parati… Hindi mawawala (The chance is always there? it will always be there) Except that he?ll find it extremely difficult,? he said.
