Manny Pacquiao Admits Juan Manuel Marquez a Brilliant Counter-Puncher

WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao has admitted Juan Manuel Marquez is indeed a brilliant counter-puncher.

Pacquiao admitted in his 59 fights it was only Marquez who gave him a real challenge. “My trainer, Freddie Roach, has said many times that Juan is the only smart one out there -- the only fighter who has figured me out,” he said

"Juan really understands how to fight southpaws. He's a very smart man and an excellent fighter. His deliberate and patient style of fighting is a product that comes from experience, and experience against great opposition. He's a brilliant counter-puncher," Pacquiao told ESPN.

In 2004, Marquez and Pacquiao fought to a controversial draw in a featherweight bout (126 pounds). Pacquiao should have won on a split-decision if not for a scoring error committed by one of the judges who scored a round at 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Pacquiao's three knockdowns of Marquez.

In 2008, at super featherweight (130 pounds), Marquez and Pacquiao clashed in a hotly contested rematch with Pacquiao earning a split-decision, as Pacquiao's third-round knockdown proved to be the difference in the bout.

In their third fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last November, Pacquiao won via a controversial majority decision.

Marquez' camp protested the judges' decision saying it was clear the Mexican counter-puncher won the fight on points. 

Unlike their last two fights, Pacquiao failed to score a knockdown in their trilogy fight. His trainer Freddie Roach claimed Pacquiao was distracted on the night of the fight and blamed it for his ward's lackluster performance.

Pacquiao continued praise of Marquez by speaking of the possibility of a fourth fight.

"I know the fans want to see a fourth fight between us, and I can understand why." he added.

Marquez continues to call out Pacquiao for another fight to satisfy fans and to determine who really is the better fighter.

A few days after the fight last November, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum said they were already working on the fourth fight possibly to take place in Mexico.