Hectic schedule ‘fells’ Manny Pacquiao; Juan Manuel Marquez grateful

AP Photo/Pat Roque

With his hectic schedule, Manny Pacquiao missed a Concelebrated Mass for the pound-for-pound king and old rival Juan Manuel Marquez on the final day of the Manila media tour kickoff Sunday.

The Mass, scheduled at the Manila Cathedral, was delayed for at least 15 minutes and proceeded with only Marquez present.

The Mexican champion, who waged two intense and controversial battles with Pacquiao, was given a tour of the cathedral after he arrived early and earned the respect of the clergy.

Nobody in Team Pacquiao had any explanation for Pacquiao’s no-show. The Inquirer learned, though, that he was dead tired and overslept after a hectic day and night schedule the previous day.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz offered no explanation or comment when the Inquirer checked with him on why Pacquiao didn’t attend the Mass.

Even at the press conference, Pacquiao kept Marquez waiting for almost an hour.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum also shrugged and refused to make any comment on Pacquiao’s hectic schedule.

But Arum said he would be back in Baguio City after the training camp gets under way on Sept. 18 at the earliest when trainer Freddie Roach and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza are scheduled to arrive to check on Pacquiao’s condition.

Prior to leaving for New York on Sunday night, Arum said Pacquiao faces a tough task in his third meeting with Marquez, adding that he expects “a similar fight as their two previous fights.”

Marquez, who left early Monday morning, was also visibly tired but smiled and waved at fans when he left the Manila Hotel. At the airport, he thanked the Filipino people for their hospitality.

Talking briefly about his Nov. 12 showdown with Pacquiao, the likeable Mexican told boxingscene.com he doesn’t believe that his moving up to 144 pounds will be a problem.

“I’m working with people who are going to help me achieve a good weight and raise my speed and strength to win the fight,” Marquez said.