MANILA, Philippines - Anuman ang gustong laban ni Juan Manuel Marquez ay nakahanda si Manny Pacquiao.
“We don’t have a problem about that because we train and we practice different moves, inside and outside, and we’re not worried about that,” wika ni Pacquiao sa panayam ng Fightnews.com.
Kilala ang 38-anyos na si Marquez bilang isang counter-puncher na naging problema ng 32-anyos na si Pacquiao sa kanilang unang laban noong Mayo ng 2004 at sa kanilang rematch noong Hunyo ng 2008.
Nauna nang sinabi ni four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach na nagpalaki ng katawan si Marquez, ang kasalukuyang world lightweight titlist, para sa kanilang pangatlong paghaharap ni Pacquiao sa Nobyembre 12.
“I’m expecting he’s trained as hard as he can. I’ll never underestimate this fight. He needs this fight badly,” sabi ni Pacquiao. “That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing. On Nov. 12, you’ll see a high level of boxing in that ring.”
Nakatakdang ipagtanggol ni Pacquiao, may 53-3-2 win-loss-draw ring record kasama ang 38 KOs, ang kanyang hawak na WBO welterweight title laban kay Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KOs) sa Nobyembre 12 sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
Naging puspusan ang ginagawang paghahanda ng Filipino world eight-division champion mula sa kanyang training camp sa Baguio City hanggang sa Wild Card Boxing Gym sa Hollywood, California.
“I’m focused on making my strength and speed be the best they can be. It’s harder to train (in the Philippines), it’s high altitude-- it’s hard to breathe the air is so thin where I go, at 7,000 feet (above sea level). But it helps my stamina and energy, which I want to be very strong in this fight,” ani Pacquiao.
Para sa kanyang paghahanda kay Marquez, hindi tumanggap si Pacquiao ng anumang TV guestings o special events kumpara sa nakaraan niyang mga laban.
Ikinatuwa naman ng trainer ni Marquez na si Ignacio Beristain ang magandang ipinapakita ni Pacquiao sa kanyang mga nakaraang laban.
“We’re really glad because we’re going up against a fighter whose punches are well thrown. It’s easier than taking on a wildcat who might some straight move at any time,” wika ni Beristain.