Marquez: 'I'll be faster, more explosive' vs. Pacquiao

From Mexico City's famed Romanza Gym on Wednesday, four-division titlewinner Juan Manuel Marquez vowed to be "faster, more explosive and more aggressive" in his fourth bout with eight-division champ Manny Pacquiao that is slated for Dec. 8 at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Marquez's interview was e-mailed to RingTV.com from Top Rank translator Ricardo Jiminez.

"We've done a lot of preparation, and we know Pacquiao, how to fight him and how to win," said Marquez during an open workout that was packed by members of the media.

"I am convinced that we were superior in the past, but the judges have said otherwise. Now we are on our way to a victory that leaves no doubt. A strong victory. We are on the way to a knockout to make clear, once and for all, who is better."

Click here for a video of Marquez dropping Mexican Daniel "Rocky" Santillo (4-1, 4 KOs).

In November, Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 knockouts) won a highly disputed majority decision over Marquez, with whom he has also battled to a draw and won a previous split decision.

Pacquiao floored Marquez (54-6-2, 39 KOs) three times in the first round of their initial meeting as featherweights in May of 2004, and dropped him once in the third round of their second as junior lightweights in March of 2008.

Pacquiao chose the return bout with Marquez over a rematch with Tim Bradley following a controversial split decision in June which dethroned Pacquiao as the WBO's 147-pound titleholder and ended his 15-bout winning streak that included eight stoppages.

"I'll be faster, more explosive and more aggressive," said Marquez. "I will be much better than a year ago. Pacquiao can say whatever he wants. I'm prepared to knock him out...and offer another great fight to pubic."

The Nevada State Athletic Commission chose the Pacquiao-Marquez officials on Nov. 15, settling on referee Kenny Bayless and judges Adelaide Byrd of Las Vegas, Steve Weisfeld of New Jersey and John Keane of England.

Marquez appears to be satisfied with the officials. 

"The judges will be in the eye of the hurricane. They'll be being watched closely by television reporters, by the people, not to be exposed to another controversial ruling. That leaves me quiet," said Marquez.

"I thank Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions for fighting for judges that are different from the others. I've done fights with Manny Pacquiao, and that none of the judges have been appointed [this far] before any of our fights, which tells me [that they'll] be impartial."

Photos by Rafael Soto, Top Rank

Lem Satterfield can be reached at lemuel.satterfield@gmail.com