VIDEO: Pacquiao-Marquez III Press Tour

Pacquiao-Marquez Tour Draws 30,000 crowd in Mexico City

Sept. 8, 2011, Mexico City, Mexico -- Superstar Manny Pacquiao waves to the reported 30,000 plus fans during his public press conference in Mexico City Thursday during the world tour to announce the third world Welterweight title mega-fight of the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy against three-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Marquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand, Pacquiao vs Marquez III will take place, Saturday, Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and be produced and distributed by HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Source: philboxing.com

Pacquiao and Marquez Announce Their Rubber (Mis?)Match

It was May 8, 2004 when Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez first stepped into the ring together at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. The fight was an instant classic at featherweight with Marquez getting off the canvas three times in the first round to roar back into the fight and earn a draw. Depending on whom you are a fan of, each fighter was robbed of victory.

The next time they faced off was four years later down the street at the Mandalay Bay on March 15, 2008. This time, the fight was contested at 130 pounds. Regardless of weight, the fight was yet again a classic with Marquez getting dropped in the third for a knockdown that would ultimately prove the difference in scoring. Pacquiao would win a split decision victory but to this day, the decision is debated.

Now, three years later and 14 pounds heavier, the two will return to the MGM Grand to finish what they started all those years ago when they square off November 12 on HBO PPV in a 144-pound catchweight bout for Pacquiao’s WBO 147-pound belt. On Wednesday at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the two men met for the Los Angeles leg of their world press tour to discuss the fight.

In the time since that second fight, Marquez has moved up to 135 pounds where he has become the lineal champion (meaning the man who beat the man who beat the man) but in his first fight with Juan Diaz as well as a later fight with Michael Katsidis, Marquez has shown that he perhaps has hit his ceiling at 135 pounds. He was knocked down by Katsidis and taken to the wall in the first Diaz outing before knocking each man out in the ninth round. Between both Diaz fights in July of 2010, Marquez moved up to welterweight in yet another catchweight fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. who, in recent years, has become a full-fledged 147-pounder. Marquez looked sluggish and slow in that fight. That might be because Mayweather is just that fast or perhaps it’s a sign that the then 36-year-old was simply not cut out to be a welterweight.

At the same time, Manny Pacquiao has jumped up from 130 to 135 where he won a paper lightweight title via ninth round TKO over David Diaz in June 2008. He followed that up by bypassing 140 pounds in favor of a big money welterweight bout with Oscar De La Hoya. The “Golden Boy” appeared to be a shell of himself, getting blown out and made to quit on his stool after the eighth round. In his next fight, Pacquiao moved down to take on lineal 140-pound champion Ricky Hatton and ended the fight- and Hatton’s career- in a two-round knockout. The Filipino superstar-turned-congressman then faced two more welterweights, Miguel Cotto (in a 145-pound catchweight fight for Cotto’s WBO 147-pound title) and Joshua Clottey, stopping the former and shutting out the latter. In his last two fights, Pacquiao took on Antonio Margarito in a 150-pound catchweight and beat him senseless for 12 rounds, following that up by shutting out and knocking down Shane Mosley in a welterweight fight earlier this year.

Looking at these careers side by side, it is very clear that while he has been successful, of the two men, Marquez simply does not handle moving up past 135 pounds well while Pacquiao has shown he can handle bigger men with seeming ease.

Pacquiao and Marquez’s promoter, Bob Arum, was in full spin mode Wednesday afternoon, attributing the Mexican fighter’s decision loss to Mayweather, a full-blown shutout, to styles and nothing more. Arum stated that for Marquez, a counterpuncher of the highest level, fighting someone like Mayweather “who may be a defensive genius” is a recipe for a loss.

Marquez seemed to agree.

“[Pacquiao] says this will be a war. I say this will be a war,” said Marquez. “It’s styles. I am aggressive and he is aggressive. It’s a perfect combination for fans. This fight is different because if people want to see a great fight, you need two fighters. Pacquiao likes to fight. I like to fight. This is a great fight.”

Seeing as how there was such a long time between each fight, I had to ask if Pacquiao was simply waiting for the right time to get Marquez who is now 38 years old with a ton of miles on him in 59 fights and a career 432 rounds boxed.

“For Pacquiao, the edge is important,” said Marquez. “For me, it is not because I like the competition and I like to train. The edge for me is not important.”

When I posed the question to Pacquiao, he claimed he had tried to make a fight with Marquez in 2006 but was turned down in favor of a bout with Chris John. “When I agree to fight the last fight, [Marquez] fought in Indonesia [against] Chris John. He turned down the fight and fought Chris John. Now, I want the fight to happen since before but to co-promote, nobody would buy the fight or PPV or sponsor the fight so…”

The latter assertion is odd considering that when they rematched, the fight was a co-promotion between Golden Boy, Marquez’s former company and Top Rank, who is promoting this bout. However, on one level, it does make sense seeing as both companies have been in something of a “Cold War,” opting to promote within their own stables instead of working together to make the fights fans want to see.

When asked by a reporter why the two men did not meet in 2008 when both briefly shared time at lightweight, Marquez responded, “I don’t know what happened. Maybe because his promoter didn’t want it.”

In any case, whether he wanted to or not, Pacquiao has a serious advantage here. He has shown an ability to beat the daylights out of larger men who are near or at the end of their careers. While Marquez is roughly the same size, at 38 years old, he is at or near the end of his career. And while they did fight such close fights in the past, boxing is about timing and right now, timing seems to favor Pacquiao.

Marquez said he learned from his first fight at welterweight and that he won’t be making the same mistakes this time around in his preparation.

“I learned the first time,” Marquez said. “I didn’t have confidence. I need to prepare physically and mentally because this fight is very dangerous for me. I trained very hard for the weight. Maybe that was the problem.”

For this fight, Marquez hopes to come in lighter, believing that in order to win, he must possess what Pacquiao’s recent opponents have not.

“Yes, I want to be 140 pounds in the weight or 141 because I don’t want to lose speed,” said Marquez.

He also stated that in order to be successful, he must control what his trainer, Nacho Beristain calls the “Combat Zone,” the short distance between the men at close range. Keeping Pacquiao at just the right distance, maintaining control and sound defense will be key to Marquez winning. In his previous two bouts with Pacquiao, Marquez was overzealous, in his trainer’s opinion, and rushed in when he thought Pacquiao was hurt. It was this reckless approach that Beristain feels led to the knockdowns.

“I need to take control in the short range and then, I need to move my body and use my speed,” said Marquez.

In another bit of bad- or what some might call ironic- timing, while the press conference was going, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was holding court on his conference call to promote his September 17 bout with Victor Ortiz. I asked Pacquiao if he felt that this trilogy will define him more than a fight with Mayweather.

“I don’t care. All I care for this fight is to prove to [Marquez] and to take out all the doubts in some of the fans and in his mind.”

There are those who will say that the time to prove the doubters wrong was years ago with Marquez, that the time and events in between have irrevocably separated the two men. Perhaps this fight will prove them wrong. Perhaps these two men were made for each other in the ring and they are destined to fight tooth-and-nail all the way down the line.

Arum’s spin would lead you to believe that. The words of Marquez, Pacquiao and Beristain will try to convince you of that. In the end, Pacquiao and Top Rank’s collective modus operandi of getting fighters at just the right time and weight is perhaps the most compelling evidence that this fight is more mismatch than rubber match. Some will say “better late than never.” To see the events as they have played out, it would seem that this is more a case of “better later than sooner” for Team Pacquiao.

Source: maxboxing.com

Pacman-Marquez fever in Mexico

There is great anticipation for today’s visit to Mexico City of Filipino superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on the final leg of his international promotional tour for what will be his third match against the Mexican hero Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, to be held November 12 in Las Vegas. Many Mexican fight fans have asked for time off at their jobs or simply will not attend school to attend this unprecedented event at 1PM at the Monumento a la Revolución, where an estimated 50,000 fans are expected.

The art at the right is the work of Eduardo De La Cruz, a Mexican artist who in the United States is known for his lithographs of various personalities of sports and entertainment. Most recently at the 48th WBC Convention which was held in Cancun, Mexico, Eduardo was named “Artist of the KO.”

Source: fightnews.com

Sometimes when we touch - Pacquiao duet with Dan Hill in New York Presscon

Pacquiao performed the song at a press conference in Las Vegas ahead of his title fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.
The Phillipino boxer released a recording of Hill's song in the run-up to his world title fight against Shane Mosley in May.
"I saw Manny and heard Manny sing it on [Jimmy Kimmel Live] and I really loved the way he sang it," Hill said.
"I was immediately drawn to the honesty and the gentleness of his performance. It was like, 'whoa.'"
Pacquiao will defend his welterweight title on November 12 in Las Vegas in what will be his third fight against Marquez.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Pacquiao: Marquez claimed he won, I want to prove he is wrong

NEW YORK -- He might or might not be the best-known athlete on the planet, as his promoter, Bob Arum, said at a news conference to hype his Nov. 12 clash with Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. But Manny Pacquiao is far and away the best boxer/singer in the universe.

He kicked off the news conference Tuesday morning at Chelsea Piers with a perfect rendition of "Sometimes When We Touch," along with the original composer and singer of that sentimental ballad, Dan Hill. Maybe Simon Cowell would have termed it "pitchy," but Pacquiao sold every note with aplomb.

The sparkle in his eye while he sang the lines, "And sometimes when we touch/The honesty's too much/And I have to close my eyes and hide/I wanna hold you 'til I die/'Til we both break down and cry/I wanna hold you 'til the fear in me subsides," without a trace of Gen X irony, left some of even the most crusty fight writers with something resembling tears in their eyes.

Pacquiao (53-3-2, with 38 KOs) does get somewhat of a royal treatment from the boxing media, who respond to his personality -- the impishness, the persistent humility -- the way fight fans have. When he added "Congressman" to his résumé last year, winning a seat in the Philippines, the respect ticked up another notch. If and when Pacquiao, who turns 33 in December, wants to write a self-help book focusing on time management, one has to figure he'll conquer that arena as well.

Marquez (53-5-1, with 39 KOs), most fight pundits figure, won't prove as challenging a foe as he did when they clashed in 2004 (it was a draw, although Marquez went down three times in the first round) and again in 2008 (Pacquiao won a split decision). For starters, Marquez is now 38, and some fight watchers say they've detected slippage in his recent bouts.

He didn't look all that crisp when he took on Floyd Mayweather in September 2009, but his backers wrote that off as mostly a weight issue. That fight was contested at junior welterweight/welterweight, with Marquez coming in at 142 pounds. The Mexican's best days came at featherweight, 126 pounds or less, and they didn't like the way he held the extra poundage on his 5-foot-7 frame against Mayweather.

Pacquiao vs Marquez met at featherweight in their first tangle and at super feather (130 or less) in their second. Pacquiao has held titles in a record eight weight classes and has looked completely in his element while fighting at welterweight (147 or less). This bout will be fought at a catchweight of 144 pounds or less, so many believe Pacquiao has that edge heading into the third episode of their rivalry. We wondered whether Pacquiao thinks the weight issue favors him.

"I don't know what Marquez can improve moving up in weight," he said. "We fought at 130 pounds in the last fight, and the third fight is 144. I don't know what he can do. When I saw his last fight, I saw a still-good Marquez, but the difference is, I changed a lot since the last fight we had. ... I changed a lot of my style, and improved my technique and strategy and my power. I'm not underestimating him."

Pacquiao is the anti-Floyd Mayweather when it comes to expressing himself before a fight. He never resorts to tearing down a foe to help build fan interest, or to give himself a kick in the tush. But he is politely irked that Marquez has for years claimed that he won both the previous tussles. (Marquez had a T-shirt made up that said, "I Beat Manny Pacquiao Twice," and wore it after he beat Michael Katsidis last November.)

"I already proved it," Pacquiao said, "but somebody is claiming they won the fight. I have to work again and prove I won the fights. I want to prove that somebody is wrong, and somebody is right."

Pacquiao says that he has grown so much as a technician in the last three years, that in reality isn't the same person he was then. "I learned more techniques, and strategies for being a fighter," he said.

His trainer, Freddie Roach, said he wants Pacquiao to remove the doubt, and the judges from the equation.

"Pacquiao will knock him out somewhere along the way," Roach said, when asked for a specific round. He too sees a different brand of boxer in Pacquiao than the one who had difficulty solving the counterpunching wizardry of Marquez twice before. "Manny can't just walk in like we did [in the] first two. He was just a young kid then, he's a much more intelligent fighter. I'm very confident we will knock him out."

There are fewer question posed to Pacquiao during this press tour about his "rival," Mayweather, than in the recent past. Maybe it's because the media have tired of speculating on rumors and innuendo.

Maybe it's because Pacquiao has tasted first-hand how troublesome the style of Marquez can be. Quite likely, he has the gut feeling that there will be tougher times in the ring Nov. 12 than he experienced against Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey, his last three foes. But the name Mayweather does at times pop up, still.

Pacquiao was asked if that fight is on his "must do" list.

"I don't really need that fight," he said. "If it happens, good, it's the fight the fans want. If not, I'm satisfied with what I've done in boxing."

Pacquiao allowed that he pondered whether Mayweather might be readying himself to fight him, because he chose another lefty, Victor Ortiz, to face off with, on Sept. 17. In any event, the specter of Mayweather isn't dogging the Congressman as much this time around. "I think I am more focused on this fight compared to last two because Marquez denied he lost the fight, complaining he won the fight, complaining, blah, blah, blah, and that makes me focus and train hard for this fight."

With Pacquiao hinting hinting heavily that he next sees himself running for Governor of his province, which would preclude biannual ring forays, his fans are curious how much longer he'll keep up this extreme juggling act.

Arum told ESPN New York that Pacquiao has agreed to do five more fights, and to hang up the gloves in November 2013. Arum said he'll aim to get Mayweather to the table after Mayweather takes care of business with Ortiz, and if and when Pacman handles Marquez.

"I'm more certain about when Pacquiao will be fighting than who," Arum said. "He's going to fight in the spring, and he fights in fall, that's the pattern we've had recently. I would look first to make the Mayweather fight, and don't see reason we can't ... but we havent been able to do it. Hopefully we'll sit down after November and if Floyd's criminal situation doesn't interfere." (Mayweather faces serious legal trouble in Nevada, including a felony domestic assault charge.)

Bet on it: when Pacquiao exits this savage science, more tears will be shed for the humble hitter than from boxing writers succumbing to the sweet charm of "Sometimes When We Touch."

Source: espn.go.com

Pacquiao-Marquez in New York Photos

Both fighters have arrived in New York Monday morning for a press conference on Tuesday to kick off the first stop of his North American world tour to announce the third world Welterweight title mega-fight of the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy.

Souce: toprank.com

"Marquez knows only one style, Counter-Punch " Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is just whetting his appetite for Juan Manuel Marquez.

As he munched on his favorite steamed lobster and crabmeat Saturday evening, Pacquiao said he couldn’t wait to get his hands on Marquez.

“I was looking at him closely during the press conference.. Yum, yum,” said Pacquiao, like he wants to have Marquez for dinner.

You can sense that Pacquiao wants the third fight with Marquez so bad, so he can finally erase all doubts on their previous encounters.

“Tinitingnan ko talaga yung katawan niya,” said Pacquiao.

Then his eyes lit up as if he saw something that tells him there’s no way the Mexican can cope with him at 144 pounds.

“The first time we fought it was at 126 and the last one at 130. It’s different now. This is my weight now,” said the pound-for-pound champion.

Maybe he finds Marquez too small for him now.

He reminded Marquez of his latest fights against taller, heavier and bigger guys like Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.

“Baka hindi niya alam kung sino binubugbog ko dito (Maybe he doesn’t know the guys I’ve been beating up here),” said Pacquiao.

It’s more of a warning than a reminder.

“Iisa lang naman kasi style niya (He only has one style),” said Pacquiao as he treated his friends to dinner at the Harbour View restaurant near Luneta.

Pacquiao was told of Nacho Beristain’s comment that because he had become more technical it’s now easier to read his punches.

“He’s wrong. I can adjust to the style of my opponents. Marquez only has one style – to counter,” he said.

“What he saw in me during my latest fights, he might not see when we fight. I can adjust to any style.”

Pacquiao was in the mood to talk, and he was asked to rate Mexican fighters Erik Morales (whom he fought thrice), Marco Antonio Barrera (twice) and Marquez.

He was asked who among the three landed the heaviest punch.

“To me it’s still Barrera. Kaya lang tumakbo na siya nung huling laban (But he ran away the last time we fought),” said Pacquiao.

“Marquez? He can’t beat Morales if they ever fought.”

This should fire up Marquez a little more.

Source: philstar.com

Marquez: I won the two fights against Pacquiao!

MANILA, Philippines – Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez again insisted he won his first 2 fights against now 8-divison champion Manny Pacquiao.

Marquez made the statement during the Manila leg of their global press tour promoting their November 12 welterweight title fight.

“I won the first 2 fights… In 2004 and 2008,” he asserted.

This was his reply when asked if his career would be complete even without a win against Pacquiao.

He, however, admitted being grateful to be given the chance to square off with the fighting congressman again.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity… I expect the best Manny Pacquiao for this fight,” said Marquez.

The two boxers will be fighting it out for the 3rd time at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2004, Pacquiao scored 3 first round knockdowns against Marquez. The Mexican, however, was able to salvage a draw.

Four years later, the Filipino champion edged the Mexican with a split decision.

The November 12 fight will take place at a 144-pound catchweight, 13 pounds higher than the 130-pound division they last fought in.

Marquez is confident that he can handle the added weight on his frame, despite losing a 144-pound catchweight fight to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009.

He claimed that he lost to Mayweather because the latter ran and ran during their bout.

“Mayweather doesn’t like to fight and I want to fight. With Manny it will be different,” said Marquez.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Interview: I fight 95% personal, 5% business - Marquez

Source: GMA

Latest Photos in Manila: Pacquiao vs Marquez World Tour

Source: toprank

I will let Marquez eat his words - Manny

MANILA—Figure of speech or not, Manny Pacquiao’s message revealed his desire to hand Juan Manuel Marquez a vicious beating when they tangle on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“I’ll let him (Marquez) eat his words,” Pacquiao said in Filipino during a television interview Thursday.

The normally cautious pound-for-pound king was reacting to Marquez’s insistence that he won their first two showdowns in 2004 and 2008, which ended in a draw and split decision for Pacquiao, respectively.

Marquez, who arrived in Manila early Thursday morning for the launch of the four-city, three-nation press tour of Pacquiao-Marquez III at the Quirino Grandstand Saturday, also warned he is ready to wage another war with the eight-division champion.

As if to back his claim, Marquez jogged and did stretching exercises minutes after checking in at the Manila Hotel, where his team, including the legendary trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, and promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank are billeted.

Pacquiao said it’s good that Marquez is preparing hard for their World Boxing Organization welterweight title duel as he will also make sure that he’s in 100-percent condition on fight night.
“He’d long been asking for a rematch, let’s give it to him,” said Pacquiao, hinting that Marquez, the World Boxing Council lightweight titlist, will be in for a rude awakening after the Filipino superstar’s victory over bigger fighters (Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley).

Pacquiao, who knocked down the Mexican three-division champion four times, three in the first bout and once in the second, also started light training earlier than usual on Monday.
Pacquiao’s training camp with the renowned Freddie Roach, however, will span eight weeks, divided equally between Baguio City and the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

The 38-year-old Marquez, who’s guaranteed $5 million for the trilogy plus pay-per-view shares in excess of one million PPV buys, paid a courtesy call on the Mexican ambassador to the Philippines yesterday, did some interviews and later had an exclusive dinner with Pacquiao, who will be receiving $20 million plus PPV shares.

Today’s schedule calls for the protagonists to walk together from the Manila Hotel, where a press conference will be held, to the venue where a projected crowd of 50,000 are expected to converge.

As a precautionary measure, a thousand policemen, including a SWAT unit, will be deployed in the area.

The affair will be covered by GMA-7, which will also bring in some of its stars to provide entertainment.

Later on, Marquez, who owns billiard halls back home, is slated to watch the World Pool Championship at SM North.

Source: inquirer.net

Latest Video Of Juan Manuel Marquez in Manila by GMA

Pacquiao-Marquez press tour creates sensation in Manila

An American boxing promoter and a fighter from Mexico walked off a plane in Manila on Thursday and were greeted by hundreds of people and a dozen television cameras.

And so began the international tour to tout the third fight between the Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez, and his Filipino rival, Manny Pacquiao, Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

"It's bedlam here," said Fred Sternburg, a Pacquiao publicist assisting veteran promoter Bob Arum on the tour that will begin with a Saturday news conference expected to draw 100,000 to Manila's Quirino Grandstand.

The tour will move on to New York on Tuesday, where Pacquiao will perform his remake of Dan Hill's 1970s hit, "Sometimes When We Touch," with Hill. (The Pacquiao version climbed as high as No. 7 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart and now is No. 8.)

A press-only visit to the Beverly Hills Hotel will come Wednesday, and then 50,000 more fans are expected for a Thursday stop in Mexico City.

Pacquiao, widely considered boxing's top pound-for-pound fighter, fought Marquez to a draw in 2004, then edged him by split decision in 2008.

Pacquiao proceeded to claim an eighth weight-class world title at 154 pounds, while Marquez won the 135-pound (lightweight) belt. Pacquiao-Marquez III will be fought at welterweight (147 pounds), where Marquez was dismantled by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in his only bout at that weight.

Still, Marquez insists he best knows how to test Pacquiao, and the Filipino audience has shown the proper respect.

Sternburg said a 100-piece band met Marquez in Manila, playing a national song entitled, "The People," and also Herb Albert's "Tijuana Taxi." Marquez was greeted by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and given a key to the city.

He has further endeared himself by conducting interviews in English.

"The city loves the way he fights, and they know how close these first two fights were," Sternburg said.

Marquez will visit Mexico's embassy in the Philippines on Friday and attend a dinner with Pacquiao, who has completed four days of training.

Sunday, the pair will take Communion together at Manila Cathedral.

Source: latimes.com

Jet lag no problem for Juan Manuel Marquez, jogs at Luneta

MANILA—Jogging and stretching were Juan Manuel Marquez’s antidote to jet lag.

Hardly unaffected by the long, tiring trip from Los Angeles, the Mexican warrior gamely did interviews upon arrival at the Centennial Airport early Thursday morning before proceeding to the Manila Hotel to change clothes and hit the Luneta grounds with his training team in tow.
It was Marquez’s way to let pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao know that he’ll be in tiptop shape when they tangle for the Filipino icon’s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marquez, who turned 38 last week, also wants to use every second available to train for his third fight with Pacquiao.

Their first fight in 2004 ended in a controversial draw while their return bout in 2008 ended in a split decision win for Pacquiao.

Though Marquez insists that he won both fights, the WBC lightweight titlist knows that Pacquiao is far better and stronger now, and sows terror in the 147-pound division.

That’s why, the three-division champion feels he needs to train for 12 weeks months to gain speed and strength while packing in more pounds.

In addition, Marquez has enlisted the services of a nutritionist and conditioning expert.
His fighting style, according to Marquez, will still be the same.

“I fought Pacquiao twice, I know him.”

Marquez said he’ll still be counterpunching and firing off combinations to negate Pacquiao’s perceived edge in speed and power.

After a brief rest, Marquez and his team that includes legendary trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain went to the Manila City Hall where Mayor Alfredo Lim honored Marquez as the city’s adopted son.
Venerable promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, prime mover of the three-nation, four-city press tour for Pacquiao-Marquez III that kicks off tomorrow at the Quirino Grandstand, accompanied Marquez.
While ring pundits and oddsmakers have installed Pacquiao a heavy 8-1 favorite to beat Marquez in their 12-round bout set at a catch weight of 144 pounds, Arum thinks otherwise.

“Juan Manuel Marquez has given Manny challenges on two occasions,” said Arum, who is enshrined in the boxing Hall of Fame. “ The fights were very, very close that’s why this fight is so important.”

Source: inquirer.net

GMA 7 will cover the Pacquiao-Marquez III press tour

This weekend, GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) will present to Pinoy boxing fans the prelude of the third face-off of Pacquiao vs Marquez.

Both fighters will venture on a whirlwind four-city world tour covering Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico with Top Rank honcho Bob Arum to promote their upcoming bout set on November 13 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

GMA Network is the exclusive broadcast partner — radio and TV — for both the World Press Tour and the fight itself.

Pacquiao, dubbed as the “greatest fighter of all time," welcomes another heated battle with Marquez after a draw in their first duel in 2004, and a tight split decision that favored him in their second match in 2008, to hopefully put a close to their “unfinished business."

For Saturday, September 3, GMA Network prepared a grand lineup of festivities at the Quirino Grandstand – a special on-ground event to be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, with the pop trio La Diva singing the Philippine national anthem, while the UST singers perform the Mexican national anthem.

An all-star cast led by Kapuso artists Ogie Alcasid, Iza Calzado, Jay-R, Kyla, Rachel Ann Go, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, and many others will grace the event that will aired live from 2:30 to 4 p.m. over GMA-7. The special will also be seen live and exclusive via internet video streaming on GMA News Online.

The crowd will be further treated to a live episode of Manny, Many Prizes, the Saturday game show hosted by Pacquiao himself. Joining Pacman are his co-hosts Paolo Contis, Rhian Ramos, Gladys Guevarra, Pekto, Moymoy Palaboy, and Onyok Velasco along with guest stars Jinkee Pacquiao, Wency Cornejo, Jett Pangan, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and many others. The episode will be telecast on the same day at 6 p.m.

Tickets for Manny Many Prizes will be distributed via three booths located along South Drive, Quirino Grandstand (Museo Pambata side) beginning 6 a.m. but spectators will be allowed entry as early as 8 a.m.

On Saturday morning, a press conference at the Manila Hotel featuring the two fighters will be aired live on GMA News TV (GNTV), while exclusive interviews will be aired over GMA’s “24 Oras", “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho", “Startalk", “Showbiz Central", and flagship AM station DZBB 594 khz.

The main event, the much awaited boxing match, will be aired straight from Las Vegas on November 13 only on GMA. — KBK, GMA News

Source: gmanews.tv

Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez landed in Manila!

Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez arrived in the Philippines before dawn Thursday to promote his upcoming fight with Philippine boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao.

Marquez, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 aboard a Philippine Airlines PR-103 flight, said he looks forward to the Nov. 12 fight with Pacquiao, who he said is a "great fighter."

"We're friends outside the ring; inside the ring he's a great fighter," he said in an interview aired on dzBB radio.

He said he will be training while in the Philippines, and will be working on his speed and power.

But he also said he plans to watch a billiards match in Manila scheduled for this month. He said he is a billiards aficionado.

"Yes, I like to play billiards; in Mexico I have a business [and] I want to see the tournament [in Manila]," he said.

On the other hand, Marquez promised his "best effort" for Nov. 12, adding he will "prepare mentally" as well.

"I've been waiting for this fight [for] three years," he said.

On November 12, Pacquiao vs Marquez will again step into the ring in Las Vegas to end a boxing trilogy.

Upon his arrival at the NAIA-2 at 4:55 a.m., Marquez went through the mandatory procedures including a thermal scan.

A report by radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen said the thermal scan is standard procedure now that the government is on alert for the bird flu virus.

A separate report by dzBB’s Carlo Mateo said Marquez received a warm welcome at The Manila Hotel where he will be billeted during his stay in Manila.

While in Manila, Marquez is to pay a courtesy call on Mayor Alfredo Lim where the Mexican boxer is to be feted as the city's adopted son.

He will then hold a joint press conference with Pacquiao about their November fight at the Luneta Park on Saturday. — LBG, GMA News

Source: gmanews.tv

Tight schedule for Marquez's 4-day stay in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — With the Manila Hotel serving as the official residence, Juan Manuel Marquez will arrive in the country Thursday morning along with his handlers and a powerhouse cast from Top Rank led by big boss Bob Arum.

Marquez and the other boxing bigwigs will be here for the kickoff leg of the four-city promotional tour for his Nov. 12 rubber match with Manny Pacquiao.

Manila is the first stop and the first press conference will be staged at the Quirino Grandstand this Saturday afternoon with Pacquiao and Marquez in attendance.

Marquez will be joined by his trainer Ignacio Beristain and two key members of his entourage — Raul De Anda and Plutarco Gatica — as well as top Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and ace publicist Fred Sternburg.

After a short welcome with the airport media upon his arrival via Philippine Airlines, Marquez will be whisked to the Manila Hotel where he and the other dignitaries will be warmly welcomed.

In the afternoon, Marquez will pay a courtesy call to Manila mayor Alfredo Lim at the City Hall followed by a live interview on 24 Oras.

In the succeeding days, Marquez will meet with the Mexican ambassador to the Philippines, honor interviews from various talk show hosts and hear mass at the Manila Cathedral on Sunday.

Marquez is also set to attend a dinner that will be hosted by Solar Sports at the Midas Hotel and grace the World Pool Master at SM North Edsa.

Source: mb.com.ph

Juan Manuel Marquez feels he was robbed against Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — Juan Manuel Marquez phoned a dear friend in Los Angeles a few days ago, reminisced about their good old days, asked about his trip to Manila this coming week and told him how thrilled he was facing Manny Pacquiao for the third time.

Ricardo Jimenez, the Spanish-speaking publicist of Top Rank, said Marquez was animated during their conversation about the long journey to the Philippines as though he was a kid who was about to go to Disneyland for the very first time.

“He told me he has been waiting for a long time for this (third) fight to happen,” Jimenez said, sensing the bitterness in Marquez’s voice.

Marquez feels he was robbed of a win when judges ruled a split draw the first time he fought Pacquiao in May 2004 and the mental anguish worsened when Pacquiao escaped with a split decision four years later.

While the Nov. 12 rubber match Pacquiao and Marquez 3 has already been signed, sealed and delivered by both camps, Marquez is looking forward to the day that Top Rank big boss Bob Arum makes the formal announcement at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Manila will be the kickoff leg of a four-city press tour that travels to New York City, Los Angeles and Mexico City and Marquez is actually bringing along a crew from TV Azteca to film some portions of a program for the Mexican TV network.

Jimenez said Marquez is a talent of TV Azteca and as much as 10 people from the station are setting up camp in Manila to do some filming.

Jimenez said he had been with Marquez two weeks ago for a promotional shoot and was not surprised at all the fighter looked in great shape despite the inactivity.

“Marquez always takes good care of his body,” said Jimenez.

“He doesn’t get fat like Erik Morales or Miguel Cotto when they’re not in training.”

As animated their talk was, Jimenez said he felt guilty not to call Marquez back.

“As I was looking at Marquez’s personal data, I saw something and immediately got him back on the line.”

“Hey, happy birthday,” said Jimenez.

Marquez turned 38 last Aug. 23

Pacquiao-Marquez will clash at SM Mall Of Asia Press Tour

An expected epic Pacquiao vs Marquez trilogy needs a media-hype like no other.

That’s exactly what the promoter, Top Rank Promotions, has prepared: A one-week, four-city press tour that will start in Manila on Sept. 3 and end in Mexico City.

More than 100,000 people, including members of the international media, are expected to witness the planned extravaganza complete with music starring Pacquiao himself, who is expected to sing his hit single "Sometimes When We Touch."

The first leg of the press tour in Manila is expected to draw some 50,000 at the Mall of Asia, a throng Marquez’s turf in Mexico will try to match.

On Sept. 4, the Pacquiao-Marquez entourage will leave for New York for a media conference on Sept. 5 (Sept. 6 in Manila).

The next stop in Los Angeles was originally scheduled for two days but was reduced to one (on Sept. 7), with the final leg in Mexico set on Sept. 8 (Sept. 9 in Manila).

After the press conference in Mexico, Pacquiao will catch a flight back to Manila.

Team Pacquiao, including chief trainer Freddie Roach and physical conditioning coach Alex Ariza, will then motor to Baguio City where the World Boxing Organization welterweight champ will start training for the Nov. 12 fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, VisionQuest president and CEO Michael Lodge and his team left in a huff yesterday after failing to seek an audience with the eight-division champion, who terminated the services of Lodge’s firm barely weeks after signing a contract.

Source: malaya.com.ph