Will the Pacquiao – Marquez Trilogy turn it around for HBO?
October 24th, 2011
By John F. McKenna (McJack): When World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) steps into the ring on November 12 to face WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s) nearly everyone is anticipating a pretty good fight.
At this point a great fight would be just what the doctor ordered for cable giant HBO. The last several fights aired by HBO fell far short of living up to the media hype. Going back to the Manny Pacquiao – Shane Mosley fight in May, which was a HBO Pay Per View (PPV) event, Shane fell into survival mode after being stung by Pacquiao’s explosive speed and power in the 3rd round. That was followed by WBA heavyweight champion David Haye’s less than stellar performance against heavyweight champ Vladimir Klitschko in July. That fight although not PPV was aired by HBO.
On September 17 the heavily promoted HBO, PPV fight between then WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO’s) and new WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26 KO’s) also fell apart when “Vicious” head butted Mayweather in the 4th round and was subsequently knocked out as he stood with his hands at his sides after being penalized.
The October 15 HBO, PPV fight between WBC light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins (52-5-2-1, 32 KO’s) and challenger Chad Dawson (30-1-0-1, 17 KO’s) was another flop for HBO. Hopkins wound up landing on Dawson’s back after missing with a right hand. Dawson forcibly pushed Hopkins to the mat in an effort to get him off his back. Hopkins was injured in his fall to the canvas resulting in the referee awarding the fight to Dawson via TKO victory. The WBC later reversed the referee and ruled the fight a “technical draw”. It was another controversial fight in a year of controversial fights for HBO.
Things did not get any better on Saturday night when highly touted bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire (27-1, 18 KO’s) faced super flyweight champion Omar Narvaez (35-1-2, 19 KO’s) in a fight aired on HBO. Donaire won all twelve rounds in a fight that was booed by those in attendance.
HBO top execs are hoping that the Trilogy fight between Pacquiao and Marquez is the fight that lifts HBO out of it’s year of discontent. Both Pacquiao and Marquez are combat warriors who are used to trench warfare. The PPV numbers for Pacquiao – Mosley were approximately 1.4 – 1.5 million. Concrete PPV numbers are not yet available for the Mayweather – Ortiz fight. Everyone will be looking to see what the numbers will be for the Pacquiao – Marquez trilogy.
It is a certainty that new HBO Sport President Ken Hershman will closely scrutinize all future HBO boxing matches when he takes over in January before he gives his approval.
Tags: 16 Responses to “Will the Pacquiao – Marquez Trilogy turn it around for HBO?”
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No Marquer is washed up!
Maybe a huge hispanic and oriental buying group,but this is not PPV material for most,unless they are of the top one % or somewhat close.Marquez is too heavy for his frame at this wieght.For me it,s not anything to get excited about.
This fight will set things right…but PPV IS indeed a downtrend…and people are a bit wiser now and know that Manny hasnt fought anyone near as good as him since the first 5-6 rounds of Cotto Nov 09′ !!
PPV number in this fight will be great around at least 1.5M. Ticket sales will also be big. It shows in Manny Pacquiao recent fights. But one thing I sure in this coming Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy, it will be short and brutal. Remember that
Even though JMM don’t have a chance of winning, I admire his courage ’cause he got balz to face The Pacman, unlike someone I or we all know.
Manny Pacquiao is a proven fearless fighter. He has proven it in many boxing bouts.
Manny Pacquiao is a proven fearless fighter. He has proven it many boxing bouts.
The eagerness to see the MEGA FIGHT happen by everybody won’t be forthcoming if the expectation by many turn SOUR at the outcome of the fight. But I doubt it may never happen. It is as usual the winner is Manny Pacquiao the P4P king.
For the first time in the history of boxing, this is a survival of the fittest fight. It is a do or die fight for both fighters. But, eventually, Manny Pacquiao will emerge TRIUMPHANT in the end.
If anyone out there wants betting, please let me know. I do have numerous ardent supporters of Manny Pacquiao. They are willing to bet even only $1 dollar.
I hope Marquez wins .
Floyd Mayweather will definitely watch this November 12 fight between Pacman and Marquez to see how he compares himself with Pacman. The result will see the obvious even casual boxing fans.
This is a fight to watch by every boxing fan. I guarantee there would never be a controversy anymore. Both fighters, Pacman and Marquez are hopeful of a knockout to clear a roomful of doubts among followers of boxing.
marquez is too old and too small for manny they are fighting at the highest weight marquez would have ever fought in. Two pounds heavier then the floyd fight. If ur saying manny is on the same level as floyd or better u can not say this will be a competative fight.
This fight will be worth watching that’s for sure! Pacman and Dinamita always explodes and puts up a good fight all the way to 12 rounds.
Just one correction, Pac-Mosley was with Showtime. This the main reason HBO Sports Pres. Greenburg got fired from HBO, who ironically hired Hershman of Showtime, who previously stole Pacquiao from HBO.