Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4: Can Juan Manuel put his arch enemy to rest?

By Boxing News - 12/06/2012 - Comments

Image: Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4: Can Juan Manuel put his arch enemy to rest?by Daniel Tagg and Danny Duffy: This Saturday, sees chapter four in the Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez saga. Will this be the bout that finally sorts the wheat from the chaff? Or should we expect more of the same?

These two modern greats have hitherto boxed a total of 36 rounds, with little to separate them. Surely now is the time for one of these guys to shine, so the world can see who truly is the better fighter. No judges’ decision will be good enough; both guys need a knockout, and round 37 has not yet even begun!

A summary of the first three fights:

Fight 1: In the first round, Marquez 54-6-1 (39) seemingly underestimates Pacquiao’s speed and power and is subsequently knocked down three times in quick succession. Interestingly, if the usual three knockdown rule had applied to this bout, Marquez would simply be another KO on the Pacman’s record, and not his nemesis. The remainder of the fight is fought at an intense and ferocious pace; neither man willing give ground. Marquez wins more rounds following the the first, but not enough to win on the judges’ scorecards, owing to the aforementioned knockdowns. The fight is declared a draw, thanks, in part, to a scorecard mistake (a 10-7 first round for Pacquiao, not the 10-6 it should have been).

Fight 2: Another intense twelve rounds. Pacquiao starts the fight more composed and less reckless than the last. In round two, Pacquiao is hit with a great shot and wobbled, but quickly recovers to give Marquez the same punishment. In round three, Pacquiao’s pressure and accuracy overcomes Marquez, and the Mexican is knocked down. In round ten, Marquez is again wobbled but Pacquiao fails to capitalize on this and stop his opponent. This is another close fight. Pacquiao is announced winner on a SD, but many fans agree it could have gone either way.

Fight 3: Arguably the closest fight of all. Pacquiao starts aggressively, but becomes more subdued as the bout continues. Marquez sits on his back foot and counters with fast, accurate shots to body and head that appear to do little damage to his opponent. This rhythm continues to the point of tedium. Marquez continually steps on Pacquiao’s feet to stop him from hitting and moving, as per his normal style. Pacquiao boxes well and keeps his balance enabling land some good shots of his own . This fight ends in a close fought MD win for Pacquiao, the decision would split the boxing public to who had won the fight. Compubox and Marquez’s swollen face suggeting Pacquiao won; many boxing purest claiming the victory for Marquez.

So, will either man have enough left to defeat the other in style? Will Pacquiao rekindle his form – after several stale performances – and outclass Marquez? Or will it be the Mexican warrior who finally overcomes his demons by putting his arch enemy to rest?



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