Random Thoughts: Mayweather-Marquez presser in NY

Friend of The Neutral Corner, Gary Morgan, was our eyes and ears at the Empire State Building for the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez presser. Here are some observations from Gary, addendums by us and quotes fed to us by the good folks who work for Kelly Swanson:

* The fight was billed as Number 1 vs Numero Uno. Number 1 refers to Floyd as number one in the world and Numero Uno refers to how the Mexican fans feel about Marquez, who is their number one fighter. Measure that up against such classics as the Thrilla in Manila, Judgement Day, the Brawl in Montreal and it just doesn't have the same ring to it.

* There is no love lost between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. It was clear he wants Marquez to win, saying his way to victory is to "jab, jab and jab." Easier said than done. Just because Oscar had some success against Floyd, doesn't mean Marquez will have the same kind.

* Paulie Malignaggi picks Mayweather stating that "not to take anything away from Marquez but he is dealing with someone with better skill and size"

* Marquez stated that "he had no problem taking the fight" ...that "he does not like easy fights"... "I am expecting the best from Floyd Mayweather, I am thinking like he has never retired"... "He picked me to fight because I earned it."

* We love that Marquez's strength training consists of working out with rocks and boulders.

* Anytime Floyd Mayweather was asked if he wanted to fight any other fighter by name, Floyd replied "all roads lead to Floyd, I am the cash cow. I hold the record for PPV. I hold the record for the sport." The only problem with that quote is that Floyd would not be part of a record-setting pay-per-view if the other fighter involved was not named Oscar De La Hoya. Floyd is a great talent, but Oscar was the draw in their mega fight.

* Floyd: "I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see." It may be the type of fight fans loves to see, but Floyd's never been involved in a brawl. He doesn't fight that way. Primarily because he doesn't have to. He's that good.

* Floyd: "I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport." Very true. Which is why, if he wins this fight, he will have to then fight Manny Pacquiao.

* JMM: "I have a tough fight with Floyd, I'm training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn't exactly my weight but that only means I'll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas." All I can say is, Wow. Breakfast of champions?

* Roger Mayweather: "The best boxers in the world come from where I'm from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he's one of the best." Interesting statement. Perhaps Roger forgot about Julio Cesar Chavez, who hammered him twice, and happens to be from Mexico. Oh, just like Marquez. Last time I checked, Floyd Patterson, Emile Griffith and Sugar Ray Robinson -- all New York fighters -- were in the Hall of Fame. (OK, Robinson moved from Detroit to New York at the age of about 10. He learned to fight here though).

Source: weblogs.newsday.com