PACQUIAO AND MARQUEZ SAID TO BE IN TOP SHAPE, BOTH PROMISE VICTORIES (MORE PRESSCON PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 06 Dec 2012
LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Boxing super stars Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38KO's) and Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39KO's) promised victories during today's final press conference ahead of their 12-round clash for the "WBO Champion of the Decade" Belt this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bob Arum anticipates that the fight will be "spectacular," even better than the previous three fights, mainly because none of the fighters want to leave the work of deciding the winner in the hands of judges.
Marquez speaking both in Spanish and English promised in both languages that this Saturday's clash will be an all out "war" that no fan should miss. "I want to say thanks to team Pacquiao for accepting this rematch. It will be a violent fight, a tough fight. I know Pacquiao so as well. And he knows me too. I have trained really hard and I am ready."
Pacquiao also said to be ready and thanks to fans. "I must say thanks to fans. Without them, I am not Manny Pacquiao. Without them (fans), we wouldn't be here," said the hugely popular Pacman, who remind the audience that the undercard fights are exciting fights as well.
Hall of Famer trainers Freddy Roach and don Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain assured the audience at the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theater that their fighters are in top physical shape for the much awaited combat.
Marquez training was entirely in his native Mexico City at "La Romanza Gym," the training facility of his long-time coach the legendary "Nacho" Berist?in, 73, one of the greatest trainers in the history of boxing, himself a boxer in his younger years.
So both Pacquiao and Marquez are said to be in excellent condition.
Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez (five years older than the Filipino icon), has been lifting weight to develop strength, though at 39 years of age some analysts wonder if that is a wise thing to do.
"Lifting those heavy weights go along with boxing? commented to this authoer Mr. Horacio one of Pacquiao's photographers, who incidentally is from Mexico.
"Boxing greats like Leonard, Hagler, Duran did not lift those heavy weights during their trainings, and they were tough as rocks and they could punch so hard. So, that insistence on Marquez to do weightlifting....I just wonder if its a good idea. Maybe its good for Marquez. We'll find out."
On the other hand, Pacquiao has gone through a successful training regime at the Wild Card Gym and is reported to be in the best shaped he could be.
For Pacquiao-Marquez 3 in November of last year, it was reported that the Pacman suffered some cramps and that his mind was not in the right focus prior to his fierce 12-rounds battle with Marquez, also at the MGM Grand.
"This time all is under control," assured Horacio.
"I have seen him in the gym with Freddy doing those stuff day after day, seen it with my own eyes. I've seen what Manny can do when he is in good shape... and he is in good shape. Eating well, relaxed. No weight problems at all. Could not be better," said the veteran boxing photographer Horacio, a Mexican-American who lives in Santa Anita, California.
As a matter of fact, during today's presser, Pacquiao was repeatedly spotted drinking water, which leads to believe that the Filipino Congressman and future Hall of Fame has his weight in perfect control two days prior to the weight-in ceremony, a sharp contrast with Pacquiao's past struggles with weight during the years he used to fight in lower weight classes.
The weight-in ceremony will be Friday Dec 7, 2:30pm at the MGM Grand Arena.
Photos and report by Carlos Costa, Philboxing primary correspondent for Pacquiao-Marquez4.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinario to fight Hu in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Warriors Shoot Down Rockets, 95-85 as Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder Take Care of Business
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 21 Apr 20252025 USA Boxing International Open Finalized on Saturday
Mon, 21 Apr 2025Verano to face Thai in Clash of Nations on April 24
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 21 Apr 2025Masangkay to fight Ocampo in JAS on April 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Denver Holds Off LA Clippers in OT, 112-110
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Arca clinches 3rd and final IM norm; Guns for GM norm in last round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025IN HER GOLDEN GIRL ERA: GABRIELA “SWEET POISON” FUNDORA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS UNDISPUTED TITLE AGAINST MARILYN BADILLO
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Fundora Retains Undisputed Flyweight Titles; Perez Shocks Conwell in Oceanside
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Dalton Smith Drops Mathieu German Three Times, Retains WBC Silver Title
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Filipino GM Antonio beats Serbia's IM for share of lead in Caberra Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025