Mexican modern great Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40ko) who has had four thrilling fights with Manny Pacquiao and also shared the ring with Floyd Mayweather in 2009, has spoken to iFLtv in Las Vegas ahead of the big fight to share his thoughts on both fighters and to talk about his own future.
Marquez, who hasn’t boxed since May of last year when he beat Mike Alvarado said to Kugan Cassius of Pacquiao;
“Manny Pacquiao is a very, very good fighter. He will have prepared very well for this fight. I think the people will want to see (him in) a good fight.”
Amid the speculation that Floyd wants to attack early and whether or not we will see a knockout from either side, Marquez said;
“I think this fight is going to decision, maybe to 12 rounds. I think if Pacquiao can land one (big) punch then maybe Mayweather, he go down -but if he (Floyd) use his speed, use his technique then it go to the decision.”
Yet Marquez tried to remain dignified when probed for his pick, saying;
“I do not like to pick a winner and I don’t like to predict but I think Mayweather wins the fight.”
“He is very smart. He uses his legs in the ring. He uses his distance. He uses it very well and I think he wins this fight by decision.”
Despite Mayweather having been the betting favourite since the fight was announced, a lot of late “emotional” money has gone on the Filipino fighter, who among hardcore fans is without doubt an underdog, no matter how slight in some eyes.
Asked if it really would be a shock if Pacquiao won on Saturday, the future Hall-Of-Famer said with a smile;
“Yes, yes. If Manny Pacquiao win then it better for me because I want Pacquiao! It is better for people – (It) all happen in the ring. Maybe Manny Pacquiao won’t win, Floyd Mayweather win and the people will see a great fight.”
The future looks uncertain in reality for Marquez, who at 41 years of age has had his name linked to a fight with IBF 147lb champion Kell Brook later this year.
I’ve always seen any return for Marquez unlikely, win/lose or draw on Saturday anyway and feel the far more likely opponent for Brook after May 30th is Brandon Rios as Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has hinted at.
Regarding if UK fans can expect to see him on our shores in the future, Marquez said;
“I don’t know, I don’t know what is happening. Right now I have a pain in my right knee. I have seen the doctor in Mexico city but I do not know what (will) happen. Maybe I be back to the gym? Maybe I retire? The doctor tell me I need to do the rehabilitation. Right now, I don’t know – I start rehabilitation but I do not know what happen with my future.”
The same as any ageing and/or inactive fighter, it appears the desire still exists for Marquez, who when asked if he is missing the ring said;
“Yes, yes I am missing the sport. It is my passion, it’s my work. But if I need to retire, I do it because I live in my body and I need to feel healthy. I need to feel great. Healthy is the most important in life.”
Should the 4 division champion feel the time to bow out is now, this writer for one supports the decision. He has had an epic and legendary career that will be remembered by us fans fondly. A true Mexican warrior.
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