Manny Pacquiao: Boxing Great Won't Overlook Marquez En Route to Mayweather

There are thoughts that Manny Pacquiao may overlook Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas as a potential superfight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. looms.

There are also thoughts that this could lead to Marquez surprising Pacquiao and coming away with the victory, which would give Mayweather less reason to fight Pacquiao in the battle of the best.

Neither of these things will happen, because there is no way Pacquiao is looking past his bitter rival.

In fact, he's looking straight at him.

One of the worst things you can do is play with a fighter's legacy, play with how he will be perceived when all is said and done.

And while Pacquiao will be remembered as a legend by most of America, Marquez is making it a point to build himself up and break Pacquiao down.

In one of his trips to the Philippines, Marquez wore a T-shirt labeled, "I beat Pacquiao twice." Never mind that the first fight was a draw and the second was a split-decision victory for Pacquiao.

Asked if Pacquiao felt slighted by Marquez's actions, trainer Freddie Roach said, via the Malaya Business Insight:

"

"One hundred percent yes. That was a slap in the face of Manny. Manny’s definitely extra motivated in this fight.

"He’s twice harder on his sparring partners than what he usually does."

"

Roach has reportedly plastered a photo of Marquez on his mitts and the speed bag to remind Pacquiao of Marquez's words. Every time Pacquiao trains, there's Marquez, taunting him all the while.

People are failing to realize how big this fight for Pacquiao actually is. Mayweather is the furthest thing from his mind.

If Pacquiao loses this fight, he gives credence to Marquez's words, not to mention taints his legacy. If he wins, Marquez is finally painted as what he truly is: a great but inferior fighter.

Pacquiao's biggest rival right now is Juan Manuel Marquez.