Kickoff Presser for December 8 Clash
It’s on, folks. Numero Quatro for beloved warriors Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.
The fourth installment, “Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4,” will go down on Saturday, December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The three-city international media tour got underway Monday at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel. I attended this kickoff presser along with droves of media fresh on the heels of the big boxing weekend in Vegas. The mood was upbeat and lively; the talk energetic and buzzing about the fights coming up.
With the superstars from the Philippines and Mexico taking their places on the stage, the buzz begins for the fourth battle between the pair. Pacquiao got the decision in their last two outings; their first fight ended in a draw. Team Marquez believes they really won the fights; now JMM wants to settle the score, seeking revenge on his power punching counterpart.
On Monday, Beverly Hills was the initial stop as the two superstars will continue on to New York on Wednesday and Mexico City on Friday to greet the media and the fans. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 28.
For Marquez fans, this is the fight they’ve been wanting. For Pacman fans, they have been waiting to see who the Filipino icon would face. Would it be rematches against either Miguel Cotto or Tim Bradley? After Cotto chose Austin Trout as his next opponent, many fans/critics voiced opinions of a boycott for Pac-Bradley, as their first collision ended in a controversial victory for the “Desert Storm” Bradley. Business-wise, Pacquiao-Marquez made the most sense for the promotional company and the teams in regards to PPV views and fan interest. And while the world clamors for the new “Fight of the Century” between Floyd Mayweather Jr., the only new news on that is that rapper/promoter 50 Cent has been chatting with Pacquiao. We’ll have to see what eventually transpires of this friendly banter.
For now, fight fans can anticipate the fourth war between rivals Marquez and Pac at the maximum weight of 147. This bout will air live on HBO PPV.
On stage, the fighters were joined by promoters Todd duBoef and Fernando Beltran, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, Marquez’s strength and conditioning coach Angel Heredia (trainer Nacho Beristain was not able to make it), HBO’s Tony Walker, the popular Tecate girls and other members of Team Pacquiao and Team Marquez. Veteran promoter Bob Arum was not in attendance in observance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
During the speeches, there was mutual respect between the camps. We did not hear any trash talking, insults or have any verbal barbs tossed. Their face off was quick but not tense. Just two guys going about their business. But rest assured, in the next three months leading up to the feud, I’m quite sure the rivalry will grow more heated, the focus on who will win open to debate.
On the dais, it was also announced that there will be four new episodes of Pacquiao-Marquez
“24/7.” Promoted by Top Rank in association with MP Promotions, Zanfer Promotions and Marquez Boxing, this is being touted as the “Fistoric Fourth Fight.”
And get ready for the onslaught of “four” references/puns to come as the pugilists head into this fourth contest between them “Four it All.” Yep, I’m “fourwarning” you that the hype will percolate to a boil as “War #4” grows closer. Between them, the punchers have won titles in 12 different weight divisions. Pound for pound, this duo can back up any talk with their experience, skill and will to win. And at the podium, Pacquiao promises to fight with the ferocity of his earlier classic bouts. He told Marquez to train hard as he will too. Manny says it will make history and thanked everyone for their longtime support.
Both champs stated they are hungry for the win.
Marquez says he is up for this latest challenge and has been waiting for this latest chance. “People say why again? Why again with Pacquiao? ‘Cause I want to prove I am better–I want the referee to raise my hand,” the boxer nicknamed “Dinamita” told us. “I am ready to win–and I don’t like the judges’ decision. And everyone knows what really happened in the last three fights. I’m training very hard and see you on December 8th!”
Should Marquez win, will there be a Fight #5?
Or will this upcoming fourth war seal the deal? And will whoever wins be “Fourever” considered the real victor of the two?
As some fans and critics balk of this matchup, saying it’s not as relevant now I think as the weeks go by the boxing aficionados will tune in and plunk down their money for the PPV feed.
Will I be watching? “FOUR SURE!”
Tickets: 800-745-3000 or mgmgrand.com
Photos by Marlene Marquez and William Thompson