Pacquiao Versus Marquez III — Who will Win?

Manny Pacquiao may arguably be the best fighter of all time—but there is no arguing that he is defnitely the most exciting boxer of this era. Known for his forward and aggressive style, Pacquiao never fails to entertain the crowd. He may be smaller than most fighters in his class, but he has proven his power by knocking bigger guys down or out.

Pacquiao is the first boxer to ever win titles in eight different weight classes.. He started out as a Flyweight (108–112 pounds) and dominated everyone in the lighter divisions. He then went up all the way to Welterweight (144–147) and destroyed fighters that were initially deemed "too big" for him.

One of the most dangerous punchers in the sport

His story is also just as impressive as his credentials. Born in an impoverished province in the Philippines, Manny's mother barely made enough money to feed her children. He even helped out by selling stolen cigarettes in the streets until he started boxing. For him, boxing wasn't just a sport; it was a way to feed his family.

Juan Manuel Marquez currently ranks at either #4 or #5 pound-for-pound boxer in the world according to most sources (Ring Magazine, WBO, etc). Nicknamed "Dinamita" (Spanish for Dynamite), Marquez is known for his technical boxing and counter-punching abilities. He is a three-division champion, and has held eight world titles. He is rated at Featherweight, Super Featherweight, Lightweight, Light Welterweight, and now recently at Welterweight.

One of the best combination punchers of the era

Although he is a counter-puncher, his style is not boring. He is a good combination puncher and a solid technician with a high punch-connect accuracy.

He still believes to this day that he won both fights against Pacquiao, especially in their rematch. After the fight he claimed that he "really won" and that decisions like the one made that night are "discouraged". Juan (aside from Erik Morales) is so far is the only boxer to have ever "figured out" how to fight Pacquiao.

May 8, 2004 Las Vegavs Grand Arena

Pacquiao–Marquez I

After a shocking beat-down victory over Marco Antonio Barrera, Pacquiao met with the veteran Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez for his Featherweight title. In the very first round Pacquiao shocked Marquez with his power—knocking him down 3 times with his powerful straight left hand. Despite his 4 point loss, Marquez showed great resiliency and stayed in the fight.

In the middle rounds Marquez was winning by continuously assulting Pacquiao with solid right hand shots, while staying away from Pac's left. The final two rounds was non-stop action with the two warriors trading shots and fighting toe to toe till the end of the final round. The bout would end in an unsatisfactory and controversial Draw.

May 8, 2004 Las Vegavs Grand Arena

Pacquiao–Marquez II

The rematch; 4 years in the making just following Pacquiao's triumph over Eric Morales. Pacquiao and Marquez went at it again, giving the crowd another action-packed epic battle.

The earlier rounds was going well for Marquez, stunning Pacquiao once with a hard cross. But at the end of the third round it was Pacquiao who once again sent Marquez's back to the canvas. He manages to get up, but is nearly knocked down again but is saved by the ropes. The rest of the fight was a close match, as the two kept the pace throughout the bout, but at the end it was Pac who escapes with a split decision victory.

Fight Result : Majority Decision Pacquiao Victory

Pacquiao–Marquez III

Both warriors withered through 12 rounds of intense battle with Pacquiao winning a Majority Decision victory. Pacquiao was the busier and more aggressive fighter throwing 142 more punches while landing 38 more punches at a slighly higher power punch connect rate (43% vs 39%). However, it was Marquez who landed the harder-looking cleaner shots, and was the one who gave the champion some frustration.

Despite the bout ending in (yet another) controversy, no one can deny the intensity of the fight and the equal match of both fighters. Whether it was the issue of Pacquiao's leg cramping or Marquez's counter punching ability, we have witnessed a more "human" side of Pac Man—one that is possible to beat.