Marquez gave Pacquiao hell in two previous fights, says Roach

Freddie Roach acknowledged Juan Manuel Marquez was the toughest opponent pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao faced since achieving superstardom a decade ago. While Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Antonio Margarito and recently, Sugar Shane Mosley, were all high-profile and formidable foes, Marquez posed the biggest threat to the Pacman. Not just once, but twice. "One hundred percent," said Roach when asked if the 37-year-old Mexican gave Pacquiao hell during their two previous encounters in 2004 and 2008, respectively. The mortal enemies inside the ring will clash for the third time on November 12 in Las Vegas. And just like before, Roach will not take Marquez lightly. "Marquez is a difficult fighter. Very skilled, very steady, very resourceful," said Roach of the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion. But since Pacquiao edged out Marquez in 2008 closely-fought split decision, that many believed could have gone either way, the five-time Trainer of the Year believes the Filipino ring superstar has gone a long, long way as a fighter. Roach said, "Manny could only move in one direction and he only punched with the left hand then." Pacquiao's spectacular ninth round hammering of former lightweight champion David Diaz, according to Roach, signaled the start of something big for his most famous ward. "The (David) Diaz fight (which came immediately after the second Marquez fight) was the turning point," admitted the 51-year-old trainer. "Everything started to fit together. And in the Oscar (De La Hoya) fight, it all did." Roach stressed Marquez will likely torment Pacquiao anew when they face in the ring six months from now. But Roach has no doubt on who will emerge victorious – again. "Marquez is a tough guy, a great fighter," said Roach. "But Manny is a better fighter than he was before." – JVP, GMA News