‘Pacquiao punches harder, faster than Mayweather’

HE KNOWS what he’s talking about, having fought both Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mexican three-time world champion Juan Manuel Marquez declared that Pacquiao is the heavier puncher and is slightly faster while Mayweather is a defensive master and a better fighter.

In web articles that came out late Tuesday evening quoting The Ring blog, Marquez said “Pacquiao has a harder punch, a heavier punch.”

Marquez’s revelation was hardly surprising as Pacquiao knocked him down three times in the first round of their showdown in 2004, which ended in a controversial draw, and then knocked him down in the third round in their second fight which the Filipino pound-for-pound king won by split decision.

What sets Mayweather apart,  Marquez said is the unbeaten American’s “impeccable” and “incredible” defense. This was evidently displayed in their showdown last September, when Marquez landed only 69 punches and lost by unanimous decision to Mayweather at a catch weight of 144 pounds.

Mayweather though came in two pounds over the limit for that bout.

Pacquiao and Mayweather were supposed to do battle in a megabuck showdown on Nov. 13, but negotiations fell though. Pacquiao will fight Mexican Antonio Margarito instead.

Feeling that a third fight against Pacquiao is unlikely to happen, Marquez said he’ll likely fight at 140 and try to become the first Mexican four-division champion.