Matapos itakas ang kontrobersyal na draw noong Mayo 8 ng 2004, gusto ni Mexican world super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez na ipa-kitang siya ang nanalo sa kanilang unang laban ni Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.
Ayon sa 34-anyos na si Marquez, wala na siyang dapat patunayan hinggil sa kanilang rematch ng 29-anyos na si Pacquiao sa Marso 15 sa Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The fight is very interesting. I do not feel I have to prove anything because I feel like I won the first fight, even though they declared it a draw,” sabi ni Márquez. “But this time I want to make a new history. I know the same thing won’t happen as it did on May 8, 2004 as there will be no doubt as to who won this one.”
Si Marquez ang kasalukuyang super featherweight ruler ng World Boxing Council (WBC), habang si Pacquiao ang International titlist.
Ayon kay Marquez, hindi niya iniisip na magiging madali ang kanyang ikalawang pakikipagharap kay Pacquiao, tumalo na kina dating three-time world champions Erik Morales at Marco Antonio Barrera.
“In the ring there is no such thing as an easy fight or a small challenge and I keep that in mind and base my philosophy on that when I am preparing for a fight,” ani Marquez. “If you do not look at boxing that way, with a very serious attitude and dedication to the way a fighter prepares for a fight. There is no getting around it in boxing and if you do not prepare as you should the opportunity passes you by and all the glory with it.”
Disyembre pa lamang ay nagsimula na ng kanyang preparasyon si Marquez sa La Romanza Boxing Gym sa Mexico City, samantalang nag-umpisa naman si Pacquiao sa Wild Card sa Hollywood, California noong Enero.
Si Marquez ang sinasabing ‘last Mexican standing’ sa hanay ng mga pamosong Mexican fighters.
“It will give me the truly highest honor of being among the other great Mexican warriors who have come before and whose names stand throughout the incredible boxing history of our great country,” wika ni Marquez. “Also it will give me the fame, glory and the commercial boxing value that is at the top of the sport.” (Russell Cadayona)