Pacquiao vs Marquez: A high-level third fight

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez pose for photographers after the final press conference before their fight on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand. Photo by Francis T.J. Ochoa

LAS VEGAS—Like Manny Pacquiao, trainer Nacho Beristain says Juan Manuel Marquez is not the same fighter that the Filipino fighter tangled with the last time.

“Marquez is a different boxer now too,” Beristain said Wednesday.

Roach admitted that much, saying Marquez, the 38-year-old warrior known for his counterpunching, has adopted a more fan-friendly style where he always is within hitting distance of his opponent.

“I like that for my man,” Roach said.

Beristain said that the fight will not be between the same two people who fought to a pair of close decisions, but it will still provide as much drama and highlights.

“This is a natural fight between two great fighters and it’s going to end up as one of the great fights,” Beristain said through an interpreter during Wednesday’s final press conference for Pacquiao-Marquez III, which will be for the WBO welterweight crown of the Filipino ring icon.

“Juan Manuel has matured as a fighter, he has gotten to a higher level,” Beristain told AFP, adding that Marquez will fight “like he was 24.”

Pacquiao earlier told reporters he doesn’t expect an aging Marquez to show up against him on Saturday, saying he expects the best out of his Mexican rival.

“His age won’t be a factor,” Pacquiao said.

Roach, who had earlier said a fight with Marquez would bring more excitement than a matchup against undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr., praised the Mexican’s camp Wednesday.

“I know Nacho has gotten his man ready,” said Roach, who once traded verbal barbs with Beristain when the latter trained Oscar De La Hoya for his 2008 duel against Pacquiao.
“[Marquez] looks really big and strong and he looks ready to go.”

Beristain also praised Pacquiao, telling journalists through an interpreter: “On Saturday, we will try our best to beat the best fighter [there is].”

“Pacquiao has become a more technical fighter, better than he was, a more complete fighter,” Beristain told AFP.

Pacquiao said he transformed himself by learning from experience, saying the past three years has been an education for him as far as learning to deal with counterpunchers is concerned.