By Mark Havey: The two men always appeared amicable outside of the ring. They even seemed to be friends. But inside the ring, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez were bitter rivals. They still are in fact. After three fights fans were either thrilled or frustrated. Thrilled because they were all wars.
Frustrated because the we were no closer to separating the two. Three fights and all were so close. two wins for Pacquiao and one draw. Yet they were so close that I have heard ever possible outcome for each fight. I have even heard that each was a draw. Scoring for the fights is even more varied. All good fights and all close.
Until the fourth fight that is. Everybody either watched the fight or knows what happened. Pacquiao was ahead going into the sixth. Marquez caught him with a peach of a right hand and it was good night. You would think everyone would be happy. After all the win was what everyone wanted, decisive. So surely everyone is now agreed on who is better? well it hasn’t worked out like that. A fifth fight was being talked about. Pacquiao wanted it but Marquez wanted a significant increase in purse, which was denied. Should Marquez take it? does he need it?
There are fans who have seen problems with the fight. Some accurately point out that Pacquiao was ahead in the first half of the fight. But it’s also worth pointing out that Marquez is better later on. Also, Pacquiao has been ahead after six rounds in all of their fights. Others pointed out the increase in his size for the fourth fight. Add that to the past convictions of his strength and conditioning coach in regards to steroids, some say Marquez cheated. Alot of people have said the punch was lucky.
So all of this explains why people think Marquez should fight Pacquiao again. The problem is that there is little or no substance behind the claims. I don’t believe that Marquez was on steroids. He has had a long career with no hint of abuse. He can’t be held liable for the crimes of another either. Yes he was bigger. When I saw him at the weigh in, the thought crossed my mind. but there are other ways to gain muscle, like exercise.
The fact that Pacquiao was ahead on points just shows how good he is considering Marquez is a great boxer. But it means nothing concerning the potential winner. It’s a 12 round fight and like I said, Marquez gets better in later rounds.
Now the matter of the lucky punch. Was it lucky? I think so in some respects. But he did plan that punch. When Pacquiao knocked out Hatton he was looking at the floor. But that doesn’t matter as it was always going to happen. Nearly every knock out I see in boxing has elements of luck. Mayweather was nearly dropped by Mosley. Luck is a big part of the sport. But it isn’t illegal so Marquez won fairly.
Marquez doesn’t need to fight Pacquiao again. He won and if I was him I would ride this train for a long time. However I do think he should face the Filipino icon again. As a fan I would love the fight to be made. But also Pacquiao gave Marquez enough chances to avenge his loss. Of course Marquez should hold out for more money, but maybe be more flexible.
Comments are closed.