Mikey Garcia 'Thinks Like Marquez,' Could Beat Pacquiao, Mexican Fighter Says

Former Mexican featherweight champ Abner Mares thinks Mikey Garcia has the same mentality as Juan Manuel Marquez and could beat Manny Pacquiao.

Before the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellations of the biggest boxing events, Garcia was coming off a victorious win over Jesse Vargas. The win ultimately made Garcia a top candidate as Pacquiao’s next opponent.

Some pundits and several boxing personalities already believe that Pacquiao vs. Garcia will surely happen. Ahead of the possible welterweight title fight, some in boxing are already predicting the outcome.

In a recent video call interview with Fight Hub TV, former WBA super featherweight champ Mares shared an interesting insight about the Pacquiao-Garcia match-up.

Mares pointed out how a technical boxer like Garcia could beat an explosive puncher like Pacquiao. According to the Mexican fighter, Garcia could have the edge over the eight-division title holder because he has the mentality of Pacquiao’s former nemesis, Marquez, one of the few boxers who scored a clean knockout over the Filipino legend.

“Because he’s a fighter that thinks a lot in the ring, like Juan Manuel Marquez. This is a man that is thinking about the punches he’s throwing. We saw that with Jesse Vargas (fight) he’s really really patient. Not many fighters have that,” Mares explained.

The 34-year-old also weighed in on Pacquiao’s style of fighting. Based on Mares’ assessment, the 41-year-old legend is an explosive fighter who always comes forward. However, Mares thinks that Pacquiao sometimes forgets to defend himself in the process before reminding everybody about how Marquez “timed him.”

“Sometimes he forgets about his defense and he opens up. Let’s not forget about Marquez, he timed him,” Mares said of Pacquiao.

Garcia on the other hand, has been consistently vocal about how he would match against Pacquiao. In a recent Instagram live interview with MAtchroom boss Eddie Hearn, the WBC Diamond welterweight champ sounded confident when he implied that Pacquiao will be an easier opponent to deal with than his past rival Errol Spence Jr, Boxing Scene reported.

“I would love that opportunity to fight Manny. I think styles, you know, make fights. And he’s not this tall, lanky fighter that can complicate things like Errol Spence did,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is also said to be scheduled for a superfight with UFC star Conor McGregor in 2021. According to veteran boxing insider Steve Kim of ESPN, he’s “actually been told” that Pacquiao vs. McGregor is being worked out to happen next year.