Face Off for November 12 Trilogy

Juan Manuel Marquez is hoping “third time’s the charm” in his upcoming clash against Manny Pacquiao on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Their first encounter ended in a draw; in their second collision, only one point separated the Mexican warrior from victory. And this one single point is what has led the two superstars to meet a third time in their highly-anticipated trilogy.

Which brings us to the third stop in their global media tour. On Wednesday, the jet-setting boxers touched down in Los Angeles to face off once again and to address the media in regards to their third war on the canvas.

On one of the hottest and most humid days of the year, we in L.A. got a sudden change in weather. As the nation has been pounded by a succession of storms including Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Katia and Hurricane Lee, in the scorching temps of La La Land, in came Hurricane Pacman, which describes the onslaught of world-wide excitement that occurs whenever and wherever Manny Pacquiao touches down.

I’ve been to several Pacman media events at the Beverly Hills Hotel and every time the Congressman and prizefighter is in attendance, I know what to expect. A huge and lively turnout, world-wide scrutiny and rapt attention that perhaps only this Filipino idol can lay claim to.

Arriving a half hour before start time, the line to get into the ballroom of the legendary hotel was already forming with media visitors from Vegas, Mexico, the Philippines and more. This has been a historic tour with four cities involved. Since any Pacquiao event is an event in itself, there were even special T-shirts to mark this special occasion. I went to say hello to David Goldfarb, a merchandise specialist who was behind the T-shirt display. Touting “Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City” the souvenir shirts are proof of the 25,000-thousand mile trek that Marquez and Pacquiao will have logged in before their tour ends.

As films showing their fight highlights played, the banquet room filled up fast with everyone making a beeline to be near the stage.

With Top Rank’s Hall of Fame Promoter Bob Arum, trainers Freddie Roach and Nacho Beristain, Zanfer’s Fernando Beltran, HBO’s Mark Taffet, Pacquiao’s advisor Michael Koncz, strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, female fighter Mia St. John and others in attendance, the crowd was ready for the arrival of the main event in Pacquiao–Marquez III, airing live on HBO PPV.

As the announcer introduced the pair of sluggers, their list of world titles were read. This took a little while as we’re talking about an eight-division world champ in Pacman and a three division world champ in “Dinamita.” Their November battle will be for the WBO welterweight championship–at a catch weight of 144.

As Manny, Juan Manuel and their trainers took to the mic, there wasn’t any trash talking between the camps. Civil, polite, professional was the mood on stage, although one moment did bring a lot of laughter to the room. WWE Superstar “The Miz” came out to surprise the boxers and the audience. The former WWE Champion (Mike Mizanin) gave the power-punching duo “Awesome” shirts as the flashbulbs went off. As the “Money in the Bank” wrestler joked with the two, both Marquez and Pacquiao cracked up with the WWE athlete.

In New York, singer Dan Hill treated the crowd to a duet with Pacman. In L.A., we got a “Real World” star and the wrestling nemesis of John Cena.

While promoter Arum calls Manny “the most famous athlete in the world” in “biggest promotion ever,” the diminutive Filipino hero retains his non-threatening appearance–outside the ropes. Always smiling and dressed casually, a relaxed Manny told us he plans on settling “all the doubts of the fans” in regards to his first two fights against Marquez.

“I believe that he is hungry to win this fight and he will train hard for the fight,” Pacman spoke of his challenger. ”

And of their last go-round? The southpaw says: “That was a long time ago, that was a few years ago and I’ve improved a lot since then. This will be a great fight, once-in-a-lifetime.”

Marquez is fighting for more than revenge. He said he’s fighting for something–and someone–close to his heart.

“For this fight I train very hard in my speed, I train very hard in my strength, I train very hard for everything. I want to give another great fight to all the people!” Marquez stated on stage. “This fight I want to dedicate to all the Mexican people, for all my family–and especially to my father-in-law who died two months ago. This fight is for his memory.”

Will their third match live up to all the hype?

Pacman has 38 KOs versus Marquez 39. Many say this bout has to be more action-packed than the Pacquiao–Mosley fight. Do not expect as many glove taps in this one, folks.

Expect Marquez–a proud veteran champion–to bring it, especially after waiting all these years to square off against the pride of the Philippines. Critics wonder what “Dinamita” has left in the tank at 38 years old. Will he find a way to dethrone boxing’s biggest superstar?

This trilogy will pit General Santos City vs. Mexico City for world domination in their own boxing universe.

Their 2004 meeting was declared a split draw of 113-113, 115-110 and 110-115.

Their 2008 bout was a split decision of 114-113, 115-112 and 112-115 with Pacquiao edging out Marquez.

Now in 2011 the two have a date with destiny.

What else can be said?

What can be said is the fans have already spoken loud and clear.

Each and every ticket to their November 12 mega fight has been sold out. With tickets now going at a high premium, Bob Arum said to meet the public demand 20,000 more seats will be available in closed-circuit TV viewing at the casinos. HBO’s Mark Taffet also mentioned to us that there will be a “24/7” series on the two as well as a “Face Off” with Max Kellerman where the pugilists will dissect their two previous fights in advance of their November trilogy.

All of us love a classic trilogy.

All of us are hoping that this third tango in the ring will become a legendary trilogy for all.

And Juan Manuel Marquez is hoping to settle the score once and for all.

Pacman has been labeled “The Mexicutioner” for his string of victories against the heralded Mexican warriors.

Marquez wants to stop this streak. If he does, perhaps Juan Manuel will be heralded as “The Mexcellent” one?

And if Pacman reigns supreme–again?

Then get ready for the “Money” Mayweather machine to get rolling.

But first things first.

The Pacquiao–Marquez III media tour rolls on. And on Thursday Juan Manuel Marquez will be the beloved hero in front of an expected 50,000 fans gathering at the Monumento a la Revolución in Mexico City.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Marquez Boxing, Tecate and MGM Grand, this third war between Pacquiao and Marquez promises to have fans on their feet.

“The first two fights, we have not forgotten,” Marquez’s famed trainer Nacho Beristain said during his time at the podium. “This will be a classic fight. This third fight will be the best–the BEST trilogy ever!”

Everyone loves a great boxing trilogy.

Watch the action go down on November 12 as all eyes will be watching Pacquiao–Marquez III!

For more info: www.mgmgrand.com

Photos by Maria Hedrick / MariaHedrick.com