Mayweather 'too skilled' for Marquez

Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez may have the ideal style to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr tonight, but the American's uncle and trainer Roger Mayweather believes his nephew's superior skill will be insurmountable.

Marquez, who has won world titles in three weight divisions, is renowned for his counter-punching and the older Mayweather cautioned that a different approach would be foolhardy in the non-title welterweight bout.

"If he (Marquez) fights like a real head-first fighter, he's going to get knocked out early," Roger Mayweather said.

"He's got a little bit of head movement, he's got some boxing skill and obviously he's got some tough will," the American said of Marquez.

"So he ain't the easiest guy to beat. He ain't bad. It's just that he's facing the best guy in the sport."

Mayweather Jr, 39-0 (25) has not fought since December 2007 when he knocked out Britain's Ricky Hatton in the 10th round, but his uncle did not believe the lay-off would be a factor.

"I know one thing about lay-offs and I know about fighters," Roger Mayweather said. "What did you think Sugar Ray Leonard had? He had a five-and-a-half-year lay-off. He had two detached retina surgeries, right.

"But he still beat Marvin Hagler when he was laid off five-and-a-half-years. Fights are won by skill. That's all there is to it."