'Bigger, better Margarito will whip Pacman'

MANILA, Philippines - Antonio Margarito has the tools, whatever is needed, to dismantle Manny Pacquiao.

“Anything... it could be an uppercut, a right hand, a body shot, whatever, he’ll get him with,” Margarito’s chief trainer, Robert Garcia, told Fan House yesterday.

Garcia, a fighter himself, is anticipating a big win for Margarito when the 5-foot-11 Mexican climbs the ring against the hard-hitting, fast-moving Filipino on Nov. 13.

Garcia said he’d never seen Margarito bigger and better than before.

“It was better than ever. Better than when he won his first title, better than when he beat (Miguel) Cotto. This is the time to beat Manny Pacquiao,” Garcia said.

Margarito has been training like an animal for this fight, and is now in Oxnard, California where he either pounds the road, chops wood or spars like it’s fight night.

The former super-welterweight champion is just as confident as his trainer.

“Freddie Roach is scared that we’re going to beat Manny Pacquiao,” said Margarito, who didn’t like Roach’s statements that he’ll get knocked out in seven or eight rounds.

“What, does he think I’m crippled or something?” Margarito asked.

Roach, while training Pacquiao for the big fight, simply laughed it off.

“He’s too slow. I can say it in front of his face that he’ll quit. I’ll bet he’ll quit. I’ve seen his last two fights,” said Roach, up in Baguio City making sure Pacquiao’s fine.

Margarito said he’ll prove the American trainer wrong.

“It won’t be too difficult. It is just a matter of putting the pressure on Manny and that’s it. At this weight class I am bigger, stronger. I have the confidence that I can put Pacquiao to sleep, no doubt.”

“I am not worried about Roach and his people for calling me dirty. I know I am a clean fighter and I will show it to him and Pacquiao the night of the fight. I have what it takes to knock Pacquiao out and I will do it,” Margarito was quoted as saying.

Pacquiao spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Cooyeesan Plaza in Baguio City, and despite some skipped workouts looks ready to do battle with Margarito.

The Filipino boxing icon sparred eight rounds yesterday, the most he’s had in one session for the fight.

“He’s picking up speed now. It was a good day,” said Pinoy trainer Nonoy Neri.

Abac Cordero, Philippine Star