Juan Manuel Marquez: "Pacquiao is FASTER and hits HARDER than Mayweather"

Who punches harder and who is faster, Pacquiao or Mayweather? Posted Jul. 27, 2010 at 12:54am By Michael Rosenthal HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Juan Manuel Marquez said the most-impressive element of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s game is his defense, which Marquez called “impeccable” and “incredible.” It’s no wonder he landed only 69 punches in their September fight. THE RING lightweight champion even told AOL Fanhouse that Mayweather is a better fighter than former opponent Manny Pacquaio "because he has a very difficult style." One might be surprised, however, at Marquez’s response when he was asked to compare Mayweather with Pacquiao in two basic categories. “Who hits harder, Pacquiao or Mayweather?” someone asked Marquez at an open workout to promote his rematch against Juan Diaz on Saturday in Las Vegas. “I feel Pacquiao has a harder punch, a heavier punch. But Mayweather is very fast, very quick,” Marquez said through a translator. “OK, who’s faster, Pacquiao or Mayweather?" Someone else asked. “I believe Pacquiao, but Mayweather is fast too,” Marquez said. That’s high praise for Pacquiao considering Mayweather is the naturally bigger man and considered one of the fastest fighters of his generation. And it might give pause to those who would make Mayweather the favorite if he can ever come to terms on a fight with Pacquiao. http://www.ringtv.com/blog/2158/who_punches_harder_and_who_is_faster_pacquiao_or_mayweather/