Manny Pacquiao Talks Before His Comeback: “Marquez Doesn’t Want to Fight Me Because He Knows It Was a Lucky Punch”

As Manny Pacquiao prepares for his highly anticipated return to the boxing ring, the legendary Filipino fighter is already making waves with bold statements and a confident outlook. In his latest remarks, Pacquiao addressed one of the most talked-about rivalries in his career—his contentious bouts with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao, known for his competitive spirit and unrelenting drive, seems to be looking ahead to more challenges as he eyes his comeback fight. But before he steps back into the ring, he’s not shy about discussing his past encounters with Marquez, especially the famous fourth fight, where Marquez knocked him out cold in the sixth round.

Pacquiao’s Bold Statement on Marquez

In a recent interview, Pacquiao made a pointed comment regarding Marquez’s reluctance to face him again, claiming, “Marquez doesn’t want to fight me because he knows it was a lucky punch. I would like to fight him, but he’s scared (smiles).” This bold remark has sparked reactions from both fans and analysts alike, reigniting the conversation around their intense rivalry.

The knockout in 2012—one of the most dramatic moments in boxing history—has been a point of contention for both fighters and their supporters. While Marquez’s knockout punch was undeniably spectacular, many feel it was a long-awaited moment of success for the Mexican boxer, who had fought Pacquiao to a near standstill in their previous three encounters. Despite Marquez’s victory, Pacquiao’s statement about the punch being “lucky” is likely to stir the pot, with many questioning if the Filipino icon is downplaying his opponent’s skill.

Pacquiao has always been known for his resilience and ability to come back stronger from setbacks. His statement about Marquez refusing to fight him speaks volumes about the mindset of a champion who is eager to prove that he still has more to offer in the sport.

The History of Pacquiao and Marquez’s Rivalry

The rivalry between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the most storied in the history of boxing. The two first faced off in 2004, where their fight ended in a controversial draw. Their second bout in 2008 saw Pacquiao win by a split decision, but many felt that Marquez had done enough to deserve the win. The third bout in 2011 was another closely contested affair, with Pacquiao winning by a majority decision, though many observers believed Marquez was the better man that night.

But it was the fourth and final fight in December 2012 that left a lasting impact on both fighters’ careers. After nearly 36 minutes of action-packed boxing, Marquez delivered a stunning right hand that sent Pacquiao crashing to the canvas, rendering him unconscious and securing his first-ever knockout victory in the rivalry. For many, it was the ultimate statement—a punch that sealed Marquez’s claim as the one fighter who could best Pacquiao in the ring.

Despite the dramatic knockout, the mutual respect between Pacquiao and Marquez remains evident. However, Pacquiao’s recent comments suggest that he has moved on from the loss and is ready for new challenges. The notion that Marquez is “scared” to fight him again seems to be Pacquiao’s way of asserting his confidence and claiming that he’s ready for anyone in the ring, regardless of past losses.

Pacquiao’s Comeback: A New Chapter in His Career

As Pacquiao prepares to make his return to boxing, many questions loom about what he has left to prove. After retiring in 2021, the 44-year-old former world champion has hinted at a comeback, and the anticipation surrounding his return is palpable. Fans, analysts, and fellow fighters alike are all eager to see what Pacquiao can do at this stage of his career.

Though the Filipino legend has already achieved everything a boxer could dream of—winning titles in multiple weight classes, becoming a senator in the Philippines, and securing his place as one of the greatest of all time—he has made it clear that he isn’t done yet. “I want to fight any champion,” Pacquiao said in the same interview, expressing his desire to continue testing himself against the best in the world.

At his age, many might argue that Pacquiao has nothing left to prove, but his desire for competition and his unyielding love for the sport keep him motivated to come back to the ring. The challenge of facing another champion, testing his skills against the best, and proving to himself—and his fans—that he can still compete at the highest level are all factors that drive Pacquiao’s decision to return.

The Future of Pacquiao’s Career: What’s Next?

So, what does the future hold for Manny Pacquiao? While his bold statements about Marquez certainly grab attention, they also raise an important question: Who will Pacquiao face in his comeback fight? The world of boxing is filled with potential opponents, but the most intriguing matchups would likely be against champions in his weight class or fighters who are seen as top contenders.

Names like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr., and even Canelo Alvarez have been floated as potential opponents for Pacquiao’s return. Each of these fighters presents a unique challenge, but Pacquiao’s goal remains the same: to test himself against the best.

For Pacquiao, it’s about more than just the paycheck or the glory; it’s about his love for boxing and his desire to continue proving that he is one of the greatest to ever do it. After achieving so much in his career, the fact that Pacquiao still wants to fight the best shows the level of passion and competitiveness that drives him.

The Legacy of Pacquiao

Regardless of who Pacquiao faces in the future, his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time is secure. His impact on the sport of boxing is immeasurable, and his influence extends far beyond the ring. For many, he represents the epitome of dedication, resilience, and the ability to achieve greatness against all odds.

Pacquiao’s rivalry with Marquez will forever be part of boxing history, but the statement he made about wanting to fight any champion shows that his ambitions extend far beyond past foes. As he prepares to step back into the ring, one thing is clear: Manny Pacquiao is far from finished, and the boxing world will be watching closely as he aims to write the next chapter of his storied career.

Conclusion

Manny Pacquiao’s fiery comments about Marquez and his willingness to take on any champion are not just a reflection of his confidence but also his unrelenting desire to prove himself in the sport he loves. As he gears up for a potential comeback, boxing fans are eagerly awaiting the next move from one of the greatest of all time. Will he face Marquez again? Or will another champion be in his sights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Pacquiao’s journey in boxing is far from over.