Manny Pacquiao has listened to Juan Manuel Marquez’s complaints almost from the moment a Nevada State Athletic Commission judge scored that Pacquiao defeated Marquez, 114-113, in their March 15, 2008, rematch.
Judge Tom Miller’s scorecard settled alternate 115-112 scores by Duane Ford (for Pacquiao) and Jerry Roth (for Marquez) in a narrow match probably decided by Pacquiao’s third-round knockdown of his rival from Mexico.
When they fought in 2004, the gritty, gifted counterpuncher Marquez overcame being knocked down three times in the first round to score a draw. He has since flown to Pacquiao’s Philippines wearing a T-shirt reading he’d beaten the national hero twice, and has long beaten the drum to get this third fight.
Now, he has it, on Nov. 12 at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, much to the delight of Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 knockouts), who took a break in training at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood to discuss Marquez and his future.
Last I heard, you didn’t even wait for the opening news conference in the Philippines to start training for Marquez. You really can’t stand this guy?
“I’m focused on making my strength and speed be the best they can be. It’s harder to train [in the Philippines], it’s high altitude ? it’s hard to breathe the air is so thin where I go, at 7,000 feet [above sea level]. But it helps my stamina and energy, which I want to be very strong in this fight.”
You know enough about boxing history to know the third fight in a rematch defines what fighter in the series is remembered as the better man. Is that how you’re treating this fight?
“I’m always dedicated in my training, but this fight is real important to me. Because it’s our third fight ? our last fight ? I have to end all the issues, all the doubts in people’s minds about beating him. I know I need to be in 100% condition to do that. You always hear me say I want to make people happy, make people satisfied with my fights. I want to be happy too.”
Do Marquez and his fan base have a case when he says he beat you twice?
“I do not blame Marquez or his fans. Yes, the fights were close. This fight will not be close.”
We’re hearing Marquez’s training camp in the mountains of Mexico is going as well as possible. Your response?
“I’m expecting he’s trained as hard as he can. I’ll never underestimate this fight. He needs this fight badly. That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing. On Nov. 12, you’ll see a high level of boxing in that ring.”
