Marquez itching to knock Pacman out

JUAN Manuel Marquez has only one goal when he meets eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in their much-awaited third bout.

“I’m getting the best preparation of my career for the fight on November 12, and going there with one goal in mind - to knock out Manny Pacquiao,” Marquez told BoxingScene.com.

The Mexican slugger has an unfinished business to settle.

He drew his first match with Pacquiao in 2004 in a match many boxing experts believe should have been given to the Filipino boxing champion after the fighting congressman from the province of Sarangani dropped the Mexican three times in the opening round.

But Marquez was able to hold on and fought the Filipino for 12 rounds before the decision of draw was handed.

Four years later, it was Marquez’s turn to pour on the heat.

Despite being knocked down in the third round, the Mexican appeared to have the match in his control.

In fact, Marquez landed more punches than Pacquiao. The Mexican landed 172 of his 511 total punches compared to the Pinoy boxing icon’s 157 of 619, according to the punch stats report.

Even the power punches went in favor of the Mexican, 130 of 310 (42%) to the Filipino’s 114 of 305 (37%), giving validity to Marquez’s claim that “he won the second fight.”

Now, the World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organization world lightweight champion Marquez is very focused and training hard at Mexico’s Iztacalco Gym, where he sparred with Ramses Agaton and Jose Emilio Perea, two undefeated fighters in preparation of his bout on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight takes place at a catch-weight of 144-pounds.

“Since the second time we fought (March 15, 2008), he has improved. He showed the teachings of his handler Freddie Roach, with his boxing, his punches are more technical, there is more use of the right hand, and he’s matured into an excellent fighter. For me, this fight is about pride, about dignity. Everyone knows I was robbed in the two previous two fights. I beat Pacquiao before, and I’ll do it again.” Rey Joble

Source: manilastandardtoday.com