MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez insisted there’s no bad blood between them.
But their actions spoke louder than words.
During yesterday’s kickoff leg of their World Press Tour, it was pretty obvious that they didn’t come to exchange high fives.
Pacquiao often looked the other way and hardly smiled at Marquez, who up to this day claims he had beaten the Filipino twice.
“I’m not disappointed or angry at him,” Pacquiao told the packed Rigodon Hall of the Manila Hotel.
“I think I won the fight in 2004 and 2008,” Marquez said, referring to a controversial draw and a narrow win for Pacquiao in their first two fights.
Pacquiao said when they meet for the third time, on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, he will try to erase all doubts as to who the better fighter is.
“It’s going to be a good fight because Marquez is declaring he won the last two fights. Of course, I won’t let that happen,” he said.
“He will eat his own words,” Pacquiao said the other day.
Up on stage, Pacquiao and Marquez stood close to each another, but they never spoke. There were no handshakes, no face off.
Marquez did not even offer his hand, probably for fear that he would be rejected.
But at the Quirino Grandstand, before a huge crowd later on, they exchanged gifts and shook hands.
The tour swings to New York on Tuesday, in Los Angeles on Wednesday and Mexico City on Thursday. Then they go separate ways and head for training.
A question was thrown at Pacquiao during the press conference that as the decision was being announced inside the ring in 2004, he looked ready to concede defeat.
“I was not congratulating him. I was waving to the fans,” said Pacquiao who did look surprised when his name was announced as the winner.
“But it doesn’t affect me. This time I will prove it. We will answer all questions,” he added.
Later on, during an extravagant show at the historic grandstand, Pacquiao said this should be the last time they will meet in the ring.
“If after this he will still contest the result, I will challenge him not in boxing, but to a game of basketball,” Pacquiao said.
Marquez laughed at the suggestion and vowed to win their battle for the Filipino’s WBO welterweight crown.
He said he has nothing against the 32-year-old pound-for-pound champion.
“I’m not angry at him. I’m just happy for the opportunity,” Marquez said.
The fighting congressman said he would be training hard for this fight because he knows how tough Marquez is.
“He’s still a good fighter and he strong even if he’s 37 years old,” added Pacquiao, unaware that Marquez had turned 38 last Aug. 23.
“I’m preparing for the best Pacquiao,” Marquez said.
Promoter Bob Arum stood in between the two fighters at the grandstand to administer the oath of sportsmanship.
“You hereby swear to preserve the tenants and precepts of a true sportsman, honorable in thoughts, in words and in deeds. Please agree by stating after me, ‘So help me God’,” Arum read.
The boxers agreed. No handshakes needed.