Marquez: Mayweather will beat Pacquiao if…

MEXICAN boxing legend Juan Manuel Marquez has no doubt Floyd Mayweather Jr. will beat Manny Pacquiao if their May 2 megafight goes the distance.

Marquez is familiar with both welterweight titans being one of five boxers whom Mayweather and Pacquiao faced in the ring.

“It is difficult to give a conclusion on the result because if the fight [reaches the judges it will] it will undoubtedly be a unanimous decision win for Mayweather,” the four-division titleholder Marquez said in an interview with boxingscene.com.

READ: Marquez says Pacquiao must knock Mayweather out to win

“It’s a big responsibility to say who will win that contest, but if we’re talking in boxing terms, Mayweather knows how to handle himself in the ring very well, and even knows how to get his opponent to fight at his pace and he takes advantage of  that,” Marquez said.

Marquez fought Mayweather once and Pacquiao four times with their last meeting ending in stunning fashion with Marquez knocking out his Filipino rival in the sixth round three years ago.

Marquez, who lost to Mayweather via unanimous decision in 2009, added that Pacquiao’s speed and movement would be crucial against the unbeaten pound-for-pound king.

“Pacquiao’s punch and speed will be important, but the main objective is to land his best shots. [Pacquiao is a] very dynamic fighter who likes to turn sideways to not get punched and handles counters well,” Marquez said.

READ: Pacquiao is dangerous for Mayweather, says Marquez 

“Mayweather handles himself very well the distance with the jab, right hands and counters. For [Pacquiao], he will have to move his waist quite often and penetrating his opponent’s guard will be vital [to win].”

The 41-year-old Marquez is reportedly dealing with a right knee injury. He also admitted he is considering hanging up his gloves if his injury continues to plague him during training. AC

For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.