Marquez says Pacquiao must knock Mayweather out to win

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao can only win against Floyd Mayweather through a knock out, said Juan Manuel Marquez, the Filipino champion’s arch nemesis.

Pacquiao has not scored a knockout in six years, however.

“For Pacquiao to win, he must knock him out because the judges in Las Vegas are always in favor of Mayweather,” Marquez said on ESPN Deportes’ Golpe a Golpe, referring to their May 2 showdown at the MGM Grand in Nevada.

Pacquiao’s last win that didn’t go the distance was six years ago when he stopped Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto in the 12th round.

Marquez, who has fought Pacquiao four times, advised Pacquiao to watch out for Mayweather’s counter punching when he goes on the attack.

In their last encounter three years ago, the fighting congressman lunged straight into the Mexican legend’s right hand that led to the Filipino fighter’s knockout in the sixth round, falling facedown like a log on the canvas.

“Normally when Pacquiao is aggressive, he throws without [looking out for the counter], and in this respect he must change because Mayweather is a great counter-puncher and knows precisely what hurts Pacquiao,” he said in an article posted on boxingscene.com.

What makes Pacquiao “dangerous” for Mayweather is his speed and power, according to Marquez, who lost to Mayweather in a lopsided decision.

The 41-year-old Marquez added that Mayweather’s style spells trouble for Pacquiao.

“[Mayweather has] the style that hurts Pacquiao,” the Mexican boxer said, predicting that the American boxer “should win by decision.”