• Boxing

Marquez prepared for 'best' Pacquiao

ESPN staff
September 3, 2011
Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao have been promoting their November 12 bout in Manila © PA Photos
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Juan Manuel Marquez is expecting Manny Pacquiao to be in top shape when the pair step into the ring in November.

Marquez should know what to expect from the WBO welterweight champion as he prepares to fight the Filipino for a third time, but he claims he expects to meet a fitter, faster Pacquiao than he has previously encountered.

"I expect the best Manny Pacquiao for this fight, that's why I really prepared hard for this," Marquez said.

In their first meeting back in 2004, Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round before the Mexican fought back to score a controversial draw. When the pair locked horns four years later, Pacquiao claimed a split decision.

Pacquiao may be the favourite to defend his WBO welterweight crown on November 12 in Las Vegas, but his trainer Freddie Roach is preparing to put his charge under an intensive ten-week training programme to prepare him for what he expects to be another close fight.

"If those two fought ten times, all of those fights will be close," Roach admitted.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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