By: James Blears
As rumors gather pace about a casual, even cavalier approach by Manny Pacquiao to the hard grind of training to peak fitness for the fight of his life, his impending opponent WBA and IBF Champion Juan Manuel Marquez says that any last minute injury excuse from an under prepared Manny wouldn’t cut much ice.
While reports suggest Manny has yet to link up in the United States, with his trainer Freddie Roach and get down to some serious supervised gym work, Juan already has more than a month of hard work under his belt.
He’s already incorporating high altitude conditioning into his training program and will start sparring sessions next Wednesday.
As his manager Ignacio Beristain taped up his fists at the Gilberto Roman gym in Mexico City, Juan again expressed doubts whether Manny was still, or ever had been taking it easy, but he did say:
“A postponement isn’t possible. We have an obligation to television and to our fans to be in the ring and ready to fight. We must arrive there in top condition and any last minute protest about an injury, just would not be valid. I’m expecting this second fight will be a war, and I’m preparing accordingly.”
Manny Pacquiao is reported to have said that fight two against Marquez would be like going up against a night club bouncer.
When told about this Juan Manuel Marquez who’s known as an excellent ring technician and a skillful counter puncher roared with laughter. But he did make this admission:
“Oh I think we’ll see won’t we. It’s going to be one tough fight. I know his style and he knows mine, and I’m sure it’s going to be a really great fight.
“Just because Manny defeated Marco Antonio Barrera he hasn’t overcome the whole world. I’m sure Manny will train hard and not underestimate his current opponent who’s waiting for him up in the ring. Nothing is assured in this sport.
“Manny’s talk means nothing. Backing it up in the ring is another matter.”
