by Ronnie Nathanielsz

FIVE-TIME world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has advised pound-for-pound king and “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao not to underestimate lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he faces in the third fight of an epic trilogy at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Holyfield flew in from his home in Atlanta, Georgia to visit Pacquiao at his Plazzo apartment in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard that Holyfield advised the Filipino champion not to underestimate Marquez and to train hard for the fight.

Pacquiao himself had earlier indicated he would not underestimate Marquez, but that he believes the fighter, who engaged him in two close, action-packed bouts in the past, was now slower after moving up in weight and this would work to his advantage.

The visit was arranged by a Hollywood producer, who is doing a documentary on Pacquiao.

ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, who was at the Palazzo, told Manila Standard that Holyfield and Pacquiao chatted for some time.

“Holyfield appeared very fit and was very pleasant to talk to,” said Castillejo, who added that Holyfield showed her his ear that was chewed off by Mike Tyson in a heavyweight battle several years ago.