Juan Manuel Márquez, prominent Mexican boxer, reminisced about his intense rivalry with Manny Pacquiao, asserting that facing the Filipino was more challenging than fighting Floyd Mayweather. In a recent conversation, he emphasized Pacquiao’s speed and strength, describing him as an opponent who demanded the best from him.
On the podcast Posscass De Compass, with Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Isaac Terrazas, and Germán Villa, Márquez recalled his experience in the ring: “it was like getting in with the devil himself.” He explained that, unlike Mayweather, who tends to wait and counter carefully, Pacquiao was aggressive and fast, which forced him to stay vigilant at all times. Márquez quoted: “He never knocked me out. I got up even angrier,” highlighting his determination in every matchup.
The rivalry between Márquez and Pacquiao spanned four fights from 2004 to 2012, resulting in two victories for Pacquiao, one draw, and a decisive win for Márquez. Each encounter was regarded as a battle for survival, where Pacquiao emerged as the adversary that instilled the most respect. For Márquez, these bouts became a symbol of national pride, being the only one to defeat the notorious “Mexican destroyer”.
The climax of this rivalry occurred on December 8, 2012, when a powerful right hand from Márquez knocked down Pacquiao in the sixth round, a moment considered one of the most iconic in boxing history. Márquez refuted the notion that the victory was due to luck, pointing out that it was the result of practice and strategy. He admitted feeling fear when seeing Pacquiao unconscious, reflecting: “It was about beating him, not killing him.”
Amid his legacy with Pacquiao, Márquez has also expressed criticism towards Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, suggesting that he has received protection as a media figure and that his opponents have not posed a true challenge. However, Márquez remains firm in his decision not to return to the ring, despite million-dollar offers.
The legacy of Juan Manuel Márquez is undeniable, marked not only by his series of fights with Pacquiao but also by his memorable encounters with Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Díaz. His critical voice in boxing continues to be relevant in discussions about authenticity and respect in the sport.
Source: www.infobae.com
