Featherweight challenger Manny Pacquiao of The Philippines set off a firestorm today when he said “First Juan Manuel Marquez, then Erik Morales’ at a press conference at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on Wednesday. “What’s he thinking….that I’m going to roll over?” asked Marquez of Mexico City.
Marquez defends his IBF, WBA featherweight world titles vs. Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 8. Murad Muhammad’s M & M Sports and Bob Arum’s Top Rank are promoting the championship card which will include undefeated super lightweight Miguel Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico.
“Pacquiao just gave me all the motivation I need. Wait until you see me in training camp,” Marquez said. “Marquez is usually a pretty easy fighter to work with at a press conference,” said Top Rank publicist Ricardo Jimenez. “But as soon as Pacquiao mentioned fighting Erik this summer, I saw a dark side of Marquez. He was still pretty ticked off when he left the hotel.”
