Pacquiao to change training regime in bid to beat jetlag and Marquez

The Filipino star will base himself at Freddie Roach's gym in California for the duration of his fight camp to ensure no problems can derail his third rematch with the Mexican former champion.

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez face the media during their promotional tour ahead of the December bout in Las Vegas
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Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao insists he will have no jet lag problems this time round when he faces Mexican fighter Juan Manuel Marquez again.

The fight, due to take place on December 9 at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel, will see the two men square off for the fourth time.

But Pacquiao says he will overhaul his usual preparation plans for the non-title bout and spend his entire training camp at Freddie Roach's gym in Hollywood rather than train in the Philippines.

"No days will be wasted travelling between training camps in the Philippines and California," he told reporters.

The two boxers are on a three-city promotional tour to build interest in the third rematch, following their contentious bout late last year.

The contest at the MGM's Grand Garden Arena will be the fourth fight in the intense rivalry between the two boxing champions.

Pacquiao says this time he won't make the mistake of underestimating Marquez when they square off in the non-title fight.

"I underestimated him in our last fight," said Pacquiao. "I will make the most of every training day to prepare for Juan Manuel.".

In the build-up to their last bout, Marquez had taunted Pacquiao with claims that he was the true winner of their first two clashes — a 2004 draw and a 2008 rematch. He lost his WBC title in the 2008 rematch with Pacquiao by a split decision that was decided by just one point on the judges' scorecards.

"I am very excited to be fighting Manny again," Marquez said Monday. "I beat him the first three fights but did not get the decision; this time I will beat him again and I also will get the victory officially."

Pacquiao's seven-year, 15-bout win streak, came to an equally controversial end in June when he lost a split decision to boxer Tim Bradley.

"This fight I truly believe will be the best of the four that these two great warriors have engaged in. After Pacquiao won a close decision from Marquez, both Pacquiao and Marquez want to win decisively to erase any doubts," said boxing promoter Bob Arum.

sports@thenational.ae

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