MARQUEZ KICKS OFF TRAINING ON PACMAN'S TURF / FIGHT ON GMA-7, NOV 13, FROM VEGAS
MANILA, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 (STAR) By Abac Cordero (Photo is loading... Juan Manuel Marquez (left) takes an early morning jog around Luneta Park upon arrival in Manila yesterday. Jon Jon Vicencio)
Juan Manuel Marquez yesterday made sure he's one step ahead of Manny Pacquiao in training.
The Mexican boxer had barely enjoyed the comforts of his nest at the Manila Hotel, following a 12-hour flight from Los Angeles, when he decided to go out for a run.
Marquez, who flew in at around 5 a.m. on a Philippine Airlines flight, did a couple of rounds at the historic Quirino Grandstand, with a couple of his handlers and security officers.
Marquez also took a glimpse of the hotel's fitness center and said he wanted to drop by later in the day. Yes, he's raring to train on Pacquiao's turf.
"I will train here. I will train when we get to New York and Los Angeles," said Marquez, referring to the next two stops of the press tour for his coming fight with Pacquiao.
"I will prepare myself hard. I waited three years. I want to be ready. I have to be careful," said Marquez, whose counter-punching style suits Pacquiao well.
Marquez, the last boxer who came close to beating Pacquiao, wasn't surprised to learn that Pacquiao had also started training for his defense of the WBO welterweight crown.
Almost two weeks ago, Pacquiao broke sweat at the Rizal Memorial track oval, and last Monday he caught people by surprise when he went to a gym in Makati to train.
Pacquiao loves being late – in his engagements as well as in training. But for this fight, one he should win in convincing fashion, he's taking on a different approach.
"Hindi ako puwede mapahiya dito sa laban na ito (I can't afford to lose face in this fight)," Pacquiao was quoted by his legal counsel, Franklin Gacal, as saying.
Marquez said Pacquiao is doing the right thing.
"Because he knows who Juan Manuel Marquez is," said the 38-year-old Mexican who flew in with his trainer Nacho Beristain, Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran and his own media team.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum came with his men, Ricardo Jimenez, Fred Sternburg and Brad Jacobs. They're all here for tomorrow's Manila leg of the press tour at the Quirino Grandstand.
A press conference is set at the Manila Hotel at 11 a.m. and the show starts at 2 p.m.
Marquez said age wouldn't matter when he locks horn with Pacquiao for the third and probably the last time. The fight is set Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
"This is a different fight," said Marquez who drew with Pacquiao in 2004 at 126 pounds, and bitterly lost a split decision at 130 pounds in 2006. This time, they will fight at 144.
A little past noon, Marquez left the hotel in a convoy of 12 vehicles for a courtesy call on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Arum rode with former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson and The STAR columnist Joaquin Henson.
The mayor presented Marquez with a symbolic key to the city as hundreds employees of the City Hall cheered and welcomed Pacquiao's next opponent.
"Mahal ko kayo (I love you)," Marquez responded. – With reports from Rudy Santos and Sandy Araneta
GMA airs Pacquiao-Marquez III fight, world press tour (The Philippine Star) Updated September 02, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments
Photo is loading... The much-awaited boxing match will air straight from Las Vegas on Nov. 13 only on GMA.
MANILA, Philippines - Tomorrow, Sept. 3, GMA Network ushers Pinoy boxing fans to the prelude of the third face-off between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Both fighters venture into 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 Nov. 13 (Philippine time) to be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
GMA 7 is the exclusive broadcast partner, Radio and TV, for both the World Press Tour event as well as the historic fight itself.
Pacquiao, dubbed as the "greatest fighter of all time," battles with Marquez again 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."
GMA 7 prepared a grand line-up of festivities at the Quirino Grandstand in a special on-ground event to be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, with La Diva singing the Philippine national anthem, while the UST singers performing the Mexican national anthem.
An all-star cast led by Ogie Alcasid, Iza Calzado, Jay-R, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, and many others will grace the event which will air live from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on GMA 7. The special will also be seen live and exclusive via Internet video streaming on GMA News Online (www.gmanews.tv).
The crowd will be treated to a taped-as-live episode of Manny Many Prizes, hosted by Pacquiao himself. 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.
The Pacquiao-Marquez World Press Tour at the Manila Hotel will air live on GMA News TV (GNTV), while exclusive interviews with the two fighters will air over GMA's 24 Oras, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Startalk, Showbiz Central and flagship AM station DZBB 594 khz.
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