Roach: We'll try new tack vs Marquez

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has learned from his mistakes in dealing with Juan Manuel Marquez, the great Mexican counterpuncher.

His trainer, Freddie Roach, said they’re planning a different kind of approach for the fight scheduled Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

“We’re not going to walk into his punch,” said the celebrated trainer.

In his first two meetings with Marquez, the 32-year-old Pacquiao often walked straight into the Mexican’s right hand, and often got hurt.

Pacquiao also took some good uppercuts from Marquez. He was bloodied in both fights, and in fact came so close to losing.

Roach said this time will be different.

“We will be more scientific in this fight,” said Roach, who must be thinking of new ways by now, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Roach is still in Los Angeles but is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Saturday. The following day they travel to Baguio for the three-week training.

Roach had watched closely as Pacquiao walked into Marquez’ punches and said there should be a way to take a different approach.

“In the first two fights, we got careless trying to land one good shot,” he said of the draw in 2004 and a narrow decision for Pacquiao in 2008.

Pacquiao is aware of the great task on hand, and that’s the reason why he’s leaving no stone unturned in his training.

When he used to train seven to eight weeks for his previous fights, Pacquiao wants a couple more weeks more for this one.

Even before the press tour unfolded last week, he’d been in and out of the gym or out on the road.

“Marquez is tough,” said Pacquiao, who was at the Planet Jupiter Gym the other day for some workout.

Roach welcomed the idea of Pacquiao flexing his muscles even before he flies in because this way they won’t have to start from scratch when they get to Baguio.

“We can begin sparring right in the second week,” he said.