In what might be the most eagerly awaited fight of 2011, Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1), in just 10 days, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 12, in what should be the final installment of their classic battles.
The trilogy began in 2004 when the bout ended in a draw, and continued in 2008, with Pacquiao winning in a split decision. Neither fighter gave a convincing performance, so this time around, both have a score to settle.
Pacquiao goes into the fight as a 7.5-to-1 favorite over Marquez, and the Filipino icon has been the clear winner in all seven of his bouts since his last battle with Marquez.
The trilogy began in 2004 when the bout ended in a draw, and continued in 2008, with Pacquiao winning in a split decision. Neither fighter gave a convincing performance, so this time around, both have a score to settle.
Pacquiao goes into the fight as a 7.5-to-1 favorite over Marquez, and the Filipino icon has been the clear winner in all seven of his bouts since his last battle with Marquez.
On the other side, Marquez has won his last three fights, but it wasn't against elite competition. Likar Ramos, Michael Katsidis, and Juan Diaz are not considered amongst the best pound-for-pound boxers, and Pacquiao probably owns that title.
A natural lightweight, Marquez goes into the fight with added bulk, as footage has shown the 38-year-old's training regimen in Mexico has produced an impressive physique to reach the 144-pound catch weight. However, Alex Ariza, Pacquiao's strength and conditioning coach, believes Marquez's ripped body would hurt the Mexican star.
Still, Marquez goes into the fight with a great deal of confidence, and the shirt he wore around the Philippines that read "Marquez beat Pacquiao twice!" probably means he's taking this fight very seriously.
"The people will see another war," said Marquez. "The people will see another great fight because I prepared myself very hard. I look for the victory."
"I'll have the greatest career as soon as I beat him," he said
The elephant in the room is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. The WBC welterweight champion thoroughly dominated his Sept. 2009 bout with Marquez, and the major payday with Pacquiao is still a major possibility despite what many detractors say.
Pacquiao,Marquez,Pacquiao vs. Marquez,Pacquiao vs. Marquez Countdown,Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 3,Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3,WBO World Welterweight Championship fight
Stay tuned for more!
Article Source: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES - http://www.ibtimes.com