LAS VEGAS – Juan Manuel Marquez waited four years for this fight to happen.
He said he doesn’t mind waiting a couple more days.
“We’ve waited four years. Three days mean nothing. I’m ready for the fight,” said Marquez Wednesday through his adviser, Jaime Quintana.
The Mexican champion declared himself fit and ready for the fight, a rematch of their classic match-up that took place in May 8, 2004 at the MGM.
He vowed to beat Manny Pacquiao, whether by knockout or by decision, and added that there’s no way he could lose this fight.
“I’ve become a better fighter, a stronger fighter. Now I’m like a brawler fighting in the ring,” he told scribes in one quiet corner of the Mandalay Bay’s Foundation Room.
It was where the final press conference for Saturday’s Unfinished Business card was held. For the nth time he came face to face with Pacquiao who vowed, just the same, to come out winning.
“I know Pacquiao has become a better fighter also. He proved himself against (Marco Antonio) Barrera (last October). Now he has to prove himself against me. I will be the exception,” he said.
“Manny Pacquiao insists, and Bob Arum insists that Pacquiao has prepared a lot better than in any other fight. They say it was a better training camp. Everything is better and better.
“Maybe he’s afraid of me, more than Barrera or (Erik) Morales. Maybe he’s worried about something for this fight. I’m always prepared for a fight. I’d like to show my power,” he continued.
“There’s nothing that can stop me from beating Manny Pacquiao.”
Marquez said the fight odds mean nothing to him, even if he was placed at +190 (a hundred dollar bet wins $190) against Pacquiao, the steady favorite at +230 (meaning you need $230 to win a hundred bucks).
Clearly, he’s unfazed.
“It never worries me. It doesn’t concern me even if it’s 10-1 because on Saturday it’s only me and Pacquiao on top of the ring,” he said. – Abac Cordero