By Miguel Rivera
Former four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez appeared on El Golpe a Golpe and discussed the big fight, Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao. The fight is now finalized for May 2nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Marquez faced both men in the ring. He was dominated over twelve rounds by Mayweather in 2009. He faced Pacquiao four times. They went to a draw the first time, with Pacquiao winning two controversial decisions in their following two fights. In the fourth meeting in 2012, Marquez visiously knocked out Pacquiao in the sixth round.
"We know that Manny Pacquiao is not at his best, but he is coming in with a lot of motivation, with a lot of hunger, but the level is not the same. After that big knockout in 2012, a fighter's mind can change. A big punch to the jaw and he can relive those moments of 2012. Hopefully this does not happen and it becomes a great fight for the fans who have waited, but in the end Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are not at their best," Marquez said.
"I'm not saying they are not [great fighters]. Floyd Mayweather is considered the best pound for pound, followed by Manny Pacquiao, but what I am saying is they are not at their best - athletically speaking - because that fight should have happened three years ago - but it remains as an interesting fight that all of the fans want to see."
"It's a very dangerous fight [for Mayweather], because he has not faced any opponent with the speed or aggression of Pacquiao, and in this case also with power. Mayweather has not faced an opponent with these characteristics."