MANILA, Philippines—Antonio Margarito trainer Robert Garcia said the “Tijuana Tornado” will pressure pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao from start to finish when the two boxers clash for the WBC super welterweight crown at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 13.
Garcia told former PBA courtside reporter and current LA-based talk show host Jannelle So that he won’t change Margarito’s style but will work within it to come up with a strategy that can offset Pacquiao’s advantages.
“We know Manny’s style too,” said Garcia. “It’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be one of the best fights and possibly the ‘Fight of the Year.’”
Pacquiao’s camp has said Margarito’s style is tailored for the Filipino icon, who has proven to be deadly with his devastating counters. But Garcia has studied the Pacman well and said Margarito will try to limit the ring space so that Pacquiao cannot capitalize on his mobility.
“That’s something we are working on right now,” Garcia revealed. “We’ve got to come in and cut off the ring and his moving from side to side.”
The former super featherweight world champion, who also trains Nonito Donaire Jr., expects Freddie Roach to stick to his long successful game plan for Pacquiao.
“I’ve been in the ring against Freddie Roach twice and both times I beat him so I’m just hoping this will be the third time,” said Garcia, who noted that Margarito is a far better fighter than fellow Mexicans Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Morales boasts one win out of three fights with the Pacman while Marquez fought two close matches against the Saranggani congressman.
“He (Margarito) is just too big, too strong,” Garcia said.
Pacquiao will train for the fight against Margarito in Baguio City and adviser Michael Koncz said the fighter will leave for the summer capital on either Monday or Wednesday.
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