As he prepares to face Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time, Manny Pacquiao will share his thoughts every week leading up to their Nov. 12 fight (HBO PPV).
In the first installment, Pacquiao talks about the challenges of facing Marquez again and more.
Judging from the first two fights, what aspect of Marquez’s game poses you the most danger heading into the third bout? Do you like to be called the "Mexican Executioner?" Are you planning anything different in your approach to Marquez this time, especially given how close the decisions were in the first two fights?
Manny Pacquiao: I know what Juan Manuel Marquez is capable of. He is one of the toughest opponents I have ever fought, and I have a great deal of respect for his abilities. He is always in shape and very strong. He is the only fighter who has ever figured out my style of fighting.
I cannot worry about his preparation or what he brings to the fight, though I do study his fight films and do my homework on him. My main concern is how I prepare for this fight. How I can be better and different from my previous fights with him? In that respect, the biggest danger I face is not doing everything I can do to win this fight.
I do not like the name "Mexicutioner." I love the Mexican boxing fans and that name does not reflect my true feelings about Mexico and its people.
I am planning to be different for this third fight because I am a different fighter from our two previous fights. I move better laterally in both directions than before. I am more comfortable using my right hand. Before I was left-hand happy. Now I am more confident in using my right hand as an effective weapon. It's a lot stronger than the last times we fought.
I am so focused for this fight. I will bring a lot more intensity to this battle.
HBO’s Emmy Award-winning all-access series “24/7” premieres an all new edition when “24/7 Pacquiao/Marquez” debuts Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
