LAS VEGAS - Manny Pacquiao is sick and tired of Juan
Manuel Marquez complaining about not having been the recipient of the
decision the three times they fought that the Filipino star issued a
challenge on Wednesday, daring his Mexican rival to go "toe-to-toe" with
him this Saturday.
"It is as if it was my fault," said Pacquiao, who reminded Marquez that he had also experienced the same thing when he faced and lost to Tim Bradley last June.
To end the seemingly never-ending debate as to who is the better man, Pacquiao is urging Marquez to let it out when they collide for the fourth time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"I want him to fight toe-to-toe with me. It's either me or him (who's going to fall)."
After all, Pacquiao stressed, "12 rounds is too long."
Pacquiao believes it is Marquez who should adjust.
"He is always claiming that he won the fight but he needs to prove something. He has to prove it. You just can't say, 'I won the fight.' You have to prove it."
Trainer Freddie Roach said that in a close round involving an aggressor and a counter-puncher, judges tend to favor the aggressor.
"You don't win points on defense. Offense does," said Roach, who nevertheless admitted that the three fights could have gone either way.
Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in May 2004 with Pacquiao scoring three knockdowns in the first round and Marquez springing back to contention with excellent counter-punching.
"That was the best comeback of all time," said Roach.
But Roach is ruling out history from repeating itself.
"I told Manny that once you get him, don't let up on him."
Pacquiao appears to be determined to do just that the moment he lands solidly.
When the bell rings Saturday, expect Pacquiao to come out smoking.
Besides, Pacquiao noted, "we both have two hands so I urge him to fight."
In a couple of days, Pacquiao will hear from Marquez.
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