By Ernesto Castellanos, notifight.com
Juan Manuel Marquez finished up his sparring, hit the pads, went on a morning run, and displayed a very strong physical condition as he ended his training session for next Saturday's showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada - when he defends his WBO and WBA titles against mandatory challenger Michael Katsidis. Marquez thoroughly worked hard under the direction of his manager and trainer Nacho Beristain.
"I'm very excited about this fight because I'm sure I'll win and I will look great. Katsidis has the precise style that I look for. He is a fighter who is always coming forward, who likes to trade punches, but based on my speed and boxing I'm sure that I'll beat him," Marquez said.
"All of my attention is fixed on this meeting. I saw some of Katsidis' fights. We analyzed his strengths and weaknesses. And his way of fighting is sure to make for a great clash. The kind of fight that appeal to the fans."
Marquez has not forgotten about a possible trilogy showdown with Manny Pacquiao. The pride of Mexico is starving to get a third opportunity to fight Pacquiao. Marquez believes he already beat Pacquiao twice in the ring. The first bout in 2004 would end in a disputed twelve round draw, and the 2008 rematch had Pacquiao winning a close controversial majority decision.
"I am ready to fight him, and if necessary - I'll do it tomorrow. It is he who doesn't want anything to do with me. He is a great fighter, but I've already beat him twice. The situation is that I've won these two fights, where the first was a draw, and then they gave him the decision [in the rematch]," Marquez said.
