`Pacman' looking to power to Vegas victory

Juan Manuel Marquez, left, of Mexico, and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines pose for photos following a news conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday. They face each other in a WBC super featherweight title fight tonight. PHOTO: AP

Filipino star Manny Pacquiao will rely on his punching power and relentless energy in order to try to dethrone Juan Manuel Marquez in an expected 12-round battle of attrition today.

Mexico's Marquez will defend his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown against Pacquiao, the pride of the Philippines, at Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas.

The four-year gap between their fights is an oddity in boxing these days where instant rematches have almost become the norm.

And this could be Pacquiao's last fight at 130 pounds (59kg). He is expected to move up to the 135-pound weight class where he could face David Diaz next.

The 29-year-old Pacquiao is in the prime of his career while veteran Marquez is nearing the end of his.

Pacquiao is his country's ultimate warrior and a better fighter than when he first faced Marquez.

"I think he is a 90 percent better fighter," said trainer Freddie Roach. "He is smarter, more experienced and he sets things up with two hands now."

The bout, backed by Golden Boy promotions, is a rematch of a 2004 draw in which Pacquiao knocked Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round. One judge scored the fight for each boxer and the third had the matchup even.

Manny Pacquiao hits a speed bag during a workout at a gym in Las Vegas on Wednesday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Marquez, 34, is 48-3 with one drawn and 35 knockouts while Pacquiao is 45-3 with two drawn and 35 knockouts.

Marquez is 19-1-1 since 1999, the lone defeat a unanimous decision loss to Indonesian Chris John in March of 2006. Pacquiao is 19-1 with two drawn in the same span, losing only a unanimous decision to Mexican Erik Morales in 2005.

Pacquiao has won six fights in a row, the most recent a 12-round decision over Marco Antonio Barrera.