Pacquiao vs Marquez III: Why Marquez's 'Technical Advantage' Strategy Won't Work

For Erik Morales, it got worse every time he fought Manny Pacquiao, and Juan Manuel Marquez will be another victim of a third-bout rout by Pac-Man tonight at 9 p.m. ET.

Unlike Marquez, Morales won the first fight of the trilogy. Pacquiao rebutted by winning the next two matches in knockouts—first in the 10th round, then in the third.

Marquez lost his second bout with Pac-Man in a split decision after a draw in the first fight. High hopes in the third fight will not produce results for Marquez, who had to bulk up to reach the welterweight qualifications.

Ignacio Beristain, Marquez's trainer, had this to say about his fighter’s approach to the upcoming event, according to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times.

"You need a bat to knock down Pacquiao. We're looking to outclass, for the technical advantage. And Juan looks good."

Marquez added his two cents to the matter at hand.

"I think I can knock him down, knock him out, yes. I know it's difficult, but I've trained very hard. My training camp was very good."

Honestly, Marquez said something that every boxer should think going into a fight. Why would he enter the fight thinking anything otherwise?

Marquez did go on to add that he hopes his added muscle and weight will give him some extra mustard behind each shot. Rather than trying to land more punches, he’ll try to land more effective, powerful ones.

Does Beristain think Marquez’s bigger arms will serve as a “bat”? If not, bulking up can only hurt the 38-year old veteran boxer.

However, none of this will matter as Marquez will be too slow get into a rhythm against Pac-Man. The added muscle will be the little difference that will allow Pacquiao to get the upper hand in the battle of jabs.

As always, Marquez will get off to a slow start, but this time Pacquiao’s blows will rattle Marquez in a huge way.

Instead of a mid-round rally similar to the first two fights, Marquez will succumb to more powerful shots by Pacquaio and will not make it to the final round.