FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR VS. JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ - NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

(KNOCKOUT NATION - MAY 19, 2009)

On Tuesday, May 19th, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez continued the promotion of their July mega fight by facing off on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Both men appeared extremely confident and showed respect for each other throughout the surprisingly, calm press conference.

Mayweather stated that in coming back to the ring, he did not want to just take on any fighter, but that he wanted to face the best. Speaking for Mayweather, his advisor Leonard Ellerbe stated that they believe Marquez should have been declared the winner in both of his fights against Manny Pacquiao. With that, they believe the promotional tag line "Number One - Numero Uno" is fitting as they view Mayweather and Marquez as the two best fighters in the game right now.

"We are the two best fighters in the sport right now, so when I come back I don't want to fight a has-been. I want to fight one of the best in the sport. Marquez is one of the best in the sport", said Mayweather. Mayweather went on to say, "Marquez is a warrior..He's a hell of a fighter. They say to be the best, you got to beat the best. I think they got Marquez in the dark and somebody has to give him a shot. Why not me?"

Clearly respecting the skills and accomplishments of Marquez, Mayweather had nothing bad to say of his opponent. Floyd only stated that he would be prepared for any and everything Marquez may bring to the ring and will certainly come out victorious. In addition, Marquez himself is treating this fight as the biggest of his career and has vowed to come fully prepared for Mayweather.

"I'm expecting the best Floyd Mayweather ever. I'm putting in my mind that he never retired, so I'm expecting the best. I always prepare myself to win, and he's not a machine, he's a human being, and human beings can be beat”, said Marquez. When asked if Marquez was worried about the technical boxing style that Mayweather brings to the ring, Marquez stated, "No, I'm not worried about Mayweather's style at all. I am a great boxer myself. I know how to counter punch and be evasive. I'm very confident and understand what is needed to break down his defense and win the fight.”

After commenting on the match up, the two fighters posed for the obligatory stare down photo but something interesting happened. After the photographers took their photos and the two fighters were called to separate for an exclusive photo op on the observatory deck, neither fighter would budge apart at all. In fact, Mayweather would inch closer to Marquez, chewing gum, and giving him a look as if to say, "You don't know what you’ve gotten yourself into, do you?" Not to be outdone, Marquez obliged in the prolonged face off with a sinister stare of his own that showed no signs of fear or weakness - just a perceived anticipation to lock horns with Mayweather and be victorious come fight night. Though neither man had many words at the podium, this intense stare down spoke volumes in regards to the fireworks we will see once these two boxing legends engage in battle.

July 18th can’t get here soon enough.

BROWN

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