Philippine Sports News and Updates

“I have a lot of respect for Marquez. He hasn't said anything bad about me, so I have nothing bad to say about him,” said Mayweather as quoted by PhilBoxing.com. “How can I say something bad about someone who respects my fight game?”

Marquez, who only has praises for his American foe, once again praised Mayweather as the best.

“In my mind, Floyd Mayweather is the number one pound-for-pound fighter, and to be number one, you have to fight number one,” said the Mexican, disregarding the reigning pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao.

Marquez also mentioned the fact that he does not like talking outside the ring. He just said that he is physically and mentally prepared for the bout. He also thanked the Mexicans for their support and stated that he is dedicating his fight to them.

“I don't like to make predictions; I let my fists do the talking,” said Marquez.

The American returned the favor, saying: “To go down as a legend, you have to face the best in your era and Marquez is one of the best in my era.”

Underdog

Marquez admitted that he is aware that more people are favoring Mayweather to win over him on Sept. 19.

“I know people are betting against me, but it doesn't matter to me. I have my mind and I have my concentration, and I have the motivation to win,” he said.

The Mexican also said he will put everything in the ring when he faces the former pound-for-pound king who came out of retirement last May.

“Mayweather is illusive and a counter puncher. I am going to go after him. There is a chance he might try to come after me, but I know I am going to go after him.

Mayweather, for his part, said he predicted a “one hell of fight” on Saturday night with “blood, sweat and tears.”

He also reminded the press conference attendees that he is an undefeated fighter unlike his opponent.

Mayweather has 39 wins with 25 knockouts while Marquez has 50 wins (with 37 knockouts), four losses and one draw.

“There is no blue print to beat me. There is a blue print to beat Marquez, because he has been beaten before.”

Biggest fight of the year

Mark Taffet, senior vice president of HBO Pay-Per-View, said that Mayweather’s return to the sport is one of the biggest sports stories of the year.

He believes that his comeback fight against Marquez is a huge story as well.

“America's number one fighter. Mexico's number one fighter. The two biggest fan bases,” said Taffet.

“Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya, meantime, assured that the event is going to be the “biggest fight of the year.”

“There is no doubt about it. The people are anxious, especially since it is falling on the Mexican Independence Day weekend. It is a special night because all of the world will be witnessing an upset,” he said.

De la Hoya said that unlike him, Marquez can defeat Mayweather because he is different from other fighters.

“Marquez always does what is necessary not only to win fights, but to please his loyal fans,” he stated. “He is not your typical Mexican warrior. He comes in with no holds barred and attacks. He has some good school behind him.”

Whoever will emerge as the winner in “Number One/Numero Uno” is said to be the next opponent of Pacquiao, should he win his clash against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14.

If Marquez gets past Mayweather, then it would be the third time that the Mexican will clash with the Filipino boxing icon.

However if Mayweather remains unbeaten, then it would be the first time that the he will see action against the reigning best pound-for-pound fighter.

• ABS-CBN