Marquez calls for megabout

CEBU, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s fiercest rival Juan Manuel Marquez has joined the growing clamor for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to stake his perfect record against the Filipino ring icon.

Marquez told ESPN Deportes’ Salvador Rodriguez last weekend that Mayweather has nothing to worry since he would win if ever both camps find the middle ground to stage the super fight.

“As a fan, I think the fight should be done and stop the bickering, and the talk of who wants to earn more than the other, and vice versa. The most important thing here is that the fight should be done and stop this nonsense talking and give the fans what they want and make it clear who is who,” Marquez told the ESPN Spanish website.

Marquez has fought both fighters and based on his experience, he believes Mayweather will likely win the super fight on points.

“For me, Mayweather is not a puncher. He’s best in defense, and he’s very fast. That’s what hurts Pacquiao. He handles punches very well and has a good timing, which are important and can be very harmful to Pacquiao’s weapon,” the Mexican boxer said.

Marquez, who lost to Mayweather on points in 2009 but knocked Pacquiao out cold in the sixth round of their fourth meeting three years later, thinks that the super fight will go the distance.

“He (Floyd) would win not by knockout but on points, but he would need to see the speed and power of Pacquiao. Although we know that defensively Mayweather is the best in the world, he is listed as the best pound for pound,” Marquez said.

Marquez, from a fan’s standpoint, said that it will be a great robbery if the super fight will not happen.

“If that fight is not reached, it would be bad for boxing. The important thing is to be carried out and show who’s who, stop the talk and put to work for the good of boxing and fans,” Marquez said.  – Philippine STAR News Service (FREEMAN)