By John F. McKenna (McJack): The 4TH contest between Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KO’s) and WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KO’s) will likely answer the question boxing fans have been asking for many years. Of the two gladiators, who is the superior fighter, Pacquiao or Marquez?

Last November the Trilogy fight was supposed to provide the answer. It was thought by boxing pundits that because Pacquiao had grown into a legitimate welterweight that he would have the edge over “Dinamita”. Manny achieved his bigger size without losing any of his blazing speed. In addition, “Pacman” had learned how to effectively use his right hand and not rely solely on his murderous left. Added to that was the fact that in November of 2011, Marquez was 38 years old and thought to be slowing down.

It seemed to be a no brainer that Pacquiao would pull off another of the sensational victories that he had long been noted for. Marquez however, had other ideas. He too hired a conditioning coach and the results were astounding. At the advanced age of 38, “Dinamita” put on loads of solid muscle and by fight night he was ripped. To his credit, Marquez trained like a demon and paid no attention to the hype coming out of the Pacquiao camp predicting an easy victory. Marquez trained with the intent of pulling off an upset victory over Manny.

The Pacquiao camp on the other hand clearly underestimated Marquez and began to believe their own press clippings. Both trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, spoke of an easy Pacquiao win. Roach went so far as to say that Marquez may not make it out of the first round.

History has recorded the reality of what transpired in the Trilogy fight. Reportedly Pacquiao is now back on track. Those close to him say that he appears to be the old Manny Pacquiao. That in and of itself, does not guarantee a Pacquiao victory. Marquez as the cliché goes has Manny’s number. He will always give Pacquiao a hard time inside the squared circle.

Pacquiao at 34 however, has a better than even chance of pulling off a convincing victory over the 39 year old Marquez. If Manny is able to utilize the strategy of fighting at a fast pace into the later rounds it is unlikely that even Marquez will be able to withstand his assault for the duration of the fight.