Marquez Kicks Off Training on Pacman’s Turf

MANILA, Philippines - Juan Manuel Marquez yesterday made sure he’s one step ahead of Manny Pacquiao in training.

The Mexican boxer had barely enjoyed the comforts of his nest at the Manila Hotel, following a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles, when he decided to go out for a run.

Marquez, who flew in at around 5 a.m. on a Philippine Airlines flight, did a couple of rounds at the historic Quirino Grandstand, with a couple of his handlers and security officers.

Marquez also took a glimpse of the hotel’s fitness center and said he wanted to drop by later in the day. Yes, he’s raring to train on Pacquiao’s turf.

“I will train here. I will train when we get to New York and Los Angeles,” said Marquez, referring to the next two stops of the press tour for his coming fight with Pacquiao.

“I will prepare myself hard. I waited three years. I want to be ready. I have to be careful,” said Marquez, whose counter-punching style suits Pacquiao well.

Marquez, the last boxer who came close to beating Pacquiao, wasn’t surprised to learn that Pacquiao had also started training for his defense of the WBO welterweight crown.

Almost two weeks ago, Pacquiao broke sweat at the Rizal Memorial track oval, and last Monday he caught people by surprise when he went to a gym in Makati to train.

Pacquiao loves being late – in his engagements as well as in training. But for this fight, one he should win in convincing fashion, he’s taking on a different approach.

“Hindi ako puwede mapahiya dito sa laban na ito (I can’t afford to lose face in this fight),” Pacquiao was quoted by his legal counsel, Franklin Gacal, as saying.

Marquez said Pacquiao is doing the right thing.

“Because he knows who Juan Manuel Marquez is,” said the 38-year-old Mexican who flew in with his trainer Nacho Beristain, Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and his own media team.



Top Rank chief Bob Arum came with his men, Ricardo Jimenez, Fred Sternburg and Brad Jacobs. They’re all here for tomorrow’s Manila leg of the press tour at the Quirino Grandstand.

A press conference is set at the Manila Hotel at 11 a.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m.

Marquez said age wouldn’t matter when he locks horn with Pacquiao for the third and probably the last time. The fight is set Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“This is a different fight,” said Marquez who drew with Pacquiao in 2004 at 126 pounds, and bitterly lost a split decision at 130 pounds in 2006. This time, they will fight at 144.

A little past noon, Marquez left the hotel in a convoy of 12 vehicles for a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Arum rode with former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and The STAR columnist Joaquin Henson.

The mayor presented Marquez with a symbolic key to the city as hundreds employees of the City Hall cheered and welcomed Pacquiao’s next opponent.

“Mahal ko kayo (I love you),” Marquez responded. – With reports from Rudy Santos and Sandy Araneta

(source: Phil Star)