By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Respected Ring Magazine editor-in-chief Nigel Collins believes that Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao “will win a close, hard-fought decision” over reigning WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in their March 15 rematch in Las Vegas.
Collins said that a Pacquiao win will also enable him to capture the vacant Ring Magazine 130 pound title.
However, Collins said it wont be easy. He indicated that Pacquiao will beat Marquez this time provided he “buckles down and has an extended training camp with Freddie Roach in the United States.”
Collins predicted a Pacquiao win after their first battle ended in a draw in 2004 after the Filipino southpaw decked Marquez three times in the opening round, had him groggy in the second but then couldn’t put the Mexican away and had to fend off a furious counter-punching rally.
He said the prediction was mainly based on the “comparative performances” of Pacquiao and Marquez against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. Collins noted that “even though Barrera lasted the full 12 rounds with Manny in their rematch, Marco’s fight with Marquez was much closer.”
Collins added, “I see another distance fight but instead of a draw I believe Manny will win a close, hard-fought decision.”
Pacquiao himself has said he would be more serious in training for the rematch with Marquez than he was for the rematch with Barrera. In his regular column in Abante which was carried by Philboxing.com Pacquiao said “my fight in March is not an easy fight so I will need to take serious training so that people will be impressed with my performance.”