Pacquiao is dangerous for Mayweather, says Marquez

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. AP File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — No boxer has fought Manny Pacquiao more than the former four-division Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez.

And after standing toe-to-toe with Pacquiao for a total of 42 rounds, Marquez knows exactly the kind of threat Pacquiao poses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his undefeated record.

“It’s a very dangerous fight [for Mayweather],” Marquez warned as he discussed the megafight on ESPN Deportes’ El Golpe a Golpe. “Because he has not faced any opponent with the speed or aggression of Pacquiao and in this case also with power. Mayweather has not faced any opponent with these characteristics.”

Marquez and Pacquiao met in the ring four times, the last in 2012 with Marquez winning by knockout after the two long-time rivals settled for a draw and a couple of close decisions in favor of Pacquiao.

The 41-year-old Marquez also said Pacquiao and Mayweather are already past their peak especially with the Fighter of the Decade suffering such a brutal knockout.

“We know that Manny Pacquiao is not at his best. But he is coming in with a lot of motivation, with a lot of hunger but the level is not the same,” said Marquez, who also had a crack at Mayweather but lost via unanimous decision in 2009. “After that big knockout in 2012, a fighter’s mind can change.”

“I’m not saying they are not [great fighters]. Floyd Mayweather is considered the best pound-for-pound, followed by Manny Pacquiao, but what I am saying is they are not at their best – athletically speaking because that fight should have happened three years ago. But it remains as an interesting fight that all of the fans want to see.”