By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao says he is “very eager to fight him (Juan Manuel Marquez) again soon” adding that “Marquez doesn’t scare me.” Pacquiao’s reaction to the face-to-face challenge thrown at him by the Mexican at the Araneta Coiseum was carried by the popular site Philboxing.com.
Pacquiao who is regarded as a ring warrior around the world emphasized “I have never backed out, backed down, backed away or backed off from a fight. As long as I am healthy and still give happiness and a good performance to my fans, my countrymen and all of boxing, I will continue to fight and train against anyone.”
Pacquiao pointed out that he had “faced bigger men in sparring and I have never chosen easy fights. That’s why people loved me.”
In his statements which were made from his home in General Santos City, Pacquiao said “I am a fighter. My job is to get ready for a fight and stay in shape.” He also said “people need to realize this. This is my job, this is my business. I have a team and I trust them to guide me and tell me what is best for my career. I am starting to believe what boxing people write about me, that because my style of fighting is what the fans want, that is why everyone wants to fight me, because my opponent will also earn more if they fight me, Marquez included.”
He said he had no problem with a rematch even as he pointed out that it depends on the negotiations.
In a direct reference to Marquez, he claimed the Mexican was “desperate for a rematch” and he was crying like a baby.” Pacquiao went on to say “we could have fought bare-fisted in the parking lot or anywhere, even in the backyard but I think I am more of a gentleman. I will not stoop down to his level which is what my parents taught me.
Pacquiao conceded his arch 15 rematch was a close fight for sure and told Marquez “we will see each other soon and I hope you stay healthy.”
