‘Offensive thrust will stun Mexican’

By Hermie Rivera
Philippine Daily Inquirer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA–THERE’S still a month left before the big fight but Team Pacquiao has sprung a surprise by baring the weapon with which the Pacman hopes to  conquer WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s head trainer, says his ward is having an action-filled outing with his sparmates, hitting them solidly and not betraying any signs of fatigue after backbreaking workouts.

“This is where you’ll kill him,” advised Roach, as Manny cut loose with a three-punch combination they have been perfecting behind closed doors.

“This no-name offensive thrust will surprise the Mexican,” added Roach.

Marquez himself is into a taxing regimen at his Romanza gym in Mexico city.

The sheer consistency of Pacquiao’s victories over Mexican hotshots places Marquez in a hellish spot, and the defending world 130-pound king will have to surpass himself in order to retain his crown at the Mandalay Casino-Hotel on March 15.

Their first encounter in 2004 ended inconclusively, but based on the animosity bred by the drawn bout, the rematch will definitely produce a vastly superior winner.

Marquez says he is fighting Pacquiao to redeem Mexico’s honor. (And Manny is fighting for a slot at Comedy Central?)

Pacquiao himself knows that, more than the purses, the next fight will be for the honor of his country and his countless admirers all over the world.

Two titles are at stake–Ring’s coveted junior lightweight belt and the WBC super-featheweight crown, a concession granted to the Mexican champ for staying unbeaten since his controversial loss to the Indonesian Chris John.

The bar has been raised for the sensational battlers with the Pinoy slugger favored over the smart-boxing Mexican.

But why is the defending champion the underdog in this duel with his mandated challenger?

Pacquiao is younger, stronger and decidedly faster.

And in boxing, as pundits often intone, “there is no substitute for speed.”

The 34-year-old Marquez is a master craftsman, a terrific defender and counter-puncher who has displayed the rare ability to spring back from near-impossible situations.

It will be a war, one that is exciting and infused with the distinctive elements of a great fight.