Juan Manuel Marquez: Age not a factor in tiff vs Manny Pacquiao

WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez believes age would not be a factor when he faces Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 15.

In a transcription of his pre-fight press conference posted on www.philboxing.com, Marquez said he is even a stronger fighter now compared to the first outing with Pacquiao four years ago.


“My age won't be an issue in the fight. I can tell you right now that I feel better than ever. I feel so strong, so prepared for this fight,” he said.

He added that his rematch with the Filipino bomber will be different compared to their first meeting since both him and Pacquiao have improved through the years.

“Well it's going to be different because, obviously, it's now four years later, and I have acquired more experience… I think I have more speed. Manny Pacquiao has also changed. He has become a different fighter. Because of the styles, that's why I'm saying that it's going to be totally different,” said Marquez.

He admitted that Pacquiao is a “very fast and strong fighter” but he said he has done the necessary adjustments.

“He has strong punch and that's all I can I worry about. But I'm prepared and I'm ready for that. I have done a pretty good enough job in the gym conditioning that I think I'm going to win. I'm going to win. I have everything to give Manny Pacquiao,” said Marquez.

Sports analysts earlier said that aside from Pacquiao’s vastly improved skills, age factor would possibly affect Marquez since he is already 34 while the Filipino is just 29.

Pacquiao said he has trained heavier than before for his upcoming match with Marquez, who he acknowledged as a “dangerous opponent.”

He also tries to motivate himself to take his opponent seriously.

“I’m trying to re-discover my thirst for the big fights, my thirst for winning, just like when I was starting my career. It’s going back to my mind, my thirst for fighting, and winning,” he said.

The first time Pacquiao and Marquez fought was in 2004. The fight held at the MGM Grand ended in a controversial draw after he knocked down the Mexican three times in the first round, but lost most of the latter rounds.

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