By Jake Donovan
There was no trash talking – not unless you count promoter Bob Arum’s condemning of HBO’s ‘Thriller in Manila’ documentary. No punches were thrown in efforts to boost pay-per-view sales. A censor button wasn’t required when members from either camp spoke. Everybody had their turn at the mic; everyone was able to speak uninterrupted.
If you viewed Wednesday’s press conference for this weekend’s showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez as tame and devoid of drama, then those involved feel they did their job to stay true to who they are.
“There hasn’t been one bit of trash talk, there hasn’t been one bit of vulgarity,” noted Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum in concluding what marks the final time Pacquiao and Marquez appear before the media and the public before Friday’s weigh-in.
The afternoon session was held at the Hollywood Theatre in the MGM Grand, which plays host to the final leg of the trilogy between the longtime in-ring rivals. A single point on one scorecard separates the two fighters over the course of 24 fiercely contested rounds in a rivalry spanning seven years and 18 lb. in fighting weight.
It’s hardly the nature of either fighter to spew venom in the direction of anyone else, least of all the man standing across them in the ring on fight night. The phrase, “I do my talking in the ring” has become cliché through the years, but still defines two of the very best fighters in the world who can find a way to throw caution to the wind in the ring yet remain respectful of each other.
“I don’t like speaking outside of the ring,” Marquez said, ironically in near-flawless English rather than his native Spanish language. “I do my talking inside the ring. All of the people, especially all of the Mexican people around the world and of course in my country, I thank you for your support and will do my best to make you proud on Saturday.”
Pacquiao’s reply was every bit as respectful, to the delight of most though perhaps to the chagrin of those who have become accustomed to the three-ring circus that far too often overshadows the very fight it’s supposed to be promoting.
“Because of (the fans) we are here in front of you,” acknowledges Pacquiao, the most identifiable fighter in the world today. “I always thank the support of the fans. I hope everyone tunes in on Saturday. It’s going to be a good fight. We work hard and do our best in training so that we can give a good fight on Saturday. It will be my last fight with Marquez, and a great and exciting fight.”
Perhaps the most shameful act committed by either fighter during the press conference was Pacquiao’s plugging of his future movie as well as pining for votes for a political ally in his native Philippines.
Even that was taken in stride among those on hand, who let out a hearty laugh in hearing Pacquiao cross promote. Equally as amusing was his offering well wishes to his familiar opponent, though with a twist.
“I’m praying that nobody fighting will get hurt. Well, not badly hurt.”
The respect exuded towards one another was a refreshing change from the hailstorm of controversy that surfaced last week. The revelation that Marquez’ strength and conditioning coach was a former steroid distributor was the main topic of discussion during a mid-week conference call.
This comes on the heels of the never ending discussion of whether or not Pacquiao will face pound-for-pound and welterweight rival Floyd Mayweather.
Instead it was a day where media and fans were simply able to focus on the fight itself, as all was quiet on the boxing front.
Perhaps it doesn’t make for the greatest headline, and leaves some writers struggling to come up with an interesting enough angle for their copy. Perhaps it leaves those same people frustrated, after three episodes of “24/7 Pacquiao/Marquez” that have failed to provide much excitement.
Every once in a while, though, all that’s needed is for the sport to play it straight. Given the fierce nature of their previous two bouts, it’s clear that in the ring is the only place that Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez need to do their talking.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com