KO loss to Marquez won’t affect Pacquiao vs Mayweather, says Beristain

MANILA, Philippines – Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, the longtime trainer of four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez, believes that the knockout loss of Manny Pacquiao to his valued pupil would not affect the Filipino boxer’s performance versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3 in PH).

Beristain and Marquez went up against the renowned Pinoy southpaw on four occasions, with the first three matches concluding in controversial fashion.

Even though Pacquiao dropped Marquez three times in the first round, the May 2004 meeting ended in a split-decision draw.

In their March 2008 rematch, Pacquiao scored a split decision to take away the WBC junior lightweight straps from Marquez.

Marquez was given the opportunity to avenge his losses to Pacquiao when the two bitter rivals met for the third time in November 2011, but the latter had his hand raised in triumph again via majority decision.

The outcome was different in their December 2012 fourth clash as Marquez turned the bout in his favor when he connected a short right with just a second to go in the sixth round, knocking his arch-nemesis out cold.

(READ: Pacquiao must KO Mayweather to win, says Marquez)

During World Boxing Council’s weekly press conference in downtown Mexico City, the 75-year-old mentor did not agree with Floyd Mayweather Sr.’s assessment that Pacquiao is more susceptible to another knockout loss after suffering an excruciating defeat in the hands of Marquez.

“Not likely,” Beristain said. “Manny has the mentality of a natural winner.”

Following his setback to Marquez, Pacquiao dominated Brandon Rios in late 2013 to place himself back on the winning track.

The 36-year-old native of General Santos City followed up the feat in 2014 by outpointing Timothy Bradley via unanimous decision in their April rematch to reclaim the WBO welterweight title before dropping Chris Algieri six times in 12 rounds to retain the belt this past November.

Although he sees Mayweather to walk out with a decision victory due to the American’s defensive style of fighting, Beristain disclosed that his heart is rooting for Pacquiao.

“I think Floyd Mayweather will win. But my heart is with Manny Pacquiao. Manny is a spectacular fighter, who people pay to watch with delight. Floyd is truly excellent, but his style is defensive, which isn’t attractive for many people,” he stated.

Beristain suggested that Pacquiao should utilize his speed and power, two of his key traits that enabled him to capture 12 world titles in eight different weight classes.

“Manny’s strategy must be pure, concentrated pressure with speed and also with intelligence. Manny must use speed and feline movement. Manny must fight like a wildcat,” he ended. – Rappler.com