Saturday, February 02, 2008 Pacman to face 'new' Marquez By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MANNY Pacquiao will fight a different Juan Manuel Marquez when the two ring gladiators square off a second time on March 15 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.
From being a fine, true boxer, Marquez is expected to be on an attacking mode when the Mexican faces the power-punching lefty from the Philippines for his World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title.
This is primarily because Marquez, as noted by his legendary trainer Ignacio Beristain, is now an aggressive, offensive fighter.
In fact, Beristain said it was this change in style that made Marquez land the rematch with Pacquiao.
"I think Juan Manuel is a fine, technical fighter, a true boxer. What you have seen is his style change as he has become more aggressive to satisfy the demands of promoters and fans," Beristain told Ricardo Lois of Boxing Confidential.
Beristain cited the showdown between Marquez and Barrera that earned his ward the world title. He said Marquez was offensive-minded against Barrera and this paid off as he earned a unanimous decision win.
The 29-year-old Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a classic draw back in 2004. In that championship fight, Pacquiao dropped Marquez three times in the first round, but the Mexican came back strong to salvage a draw, using his counter-punching skills to the hilt.
Even Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's famed American trainer, has noticed the change in style of Marquez lately, an observation that lit up his eyes.
Roach knows fully well that once Marquez turns up aggressive and meets Pacquiao head-on come fight night, it will work to the Filipino's advantage.
"I don't think he will do that against us," Roach said in an earlier interview.
It may not be that way, but Marquez is definitely a tough nut to crack despite his age of 35 since the Mexican is, without doubt, the more skillful and technically sound fighter than Pacquiao.
Still, Beristain praises Roach for also somewhat changing Pacquiao. "Manny's right hand has improved tremendously," Beristain said.
So, with Marquez now shifting into being an aggressive fighter and Pacquiao improving on his skills and relying now on two hands--a thundering straight left and a sizzling right hook--it will be a hell of a fight between the Philippines and Mexico come March 15.
