Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao 53-3-2 (38 KO's)
Notable Wins: Shane Mosley (UD), Antonio Margarito (UD), Josh Clottey (UD), Miguel Cotto (TKO12), Ricky Hatton (KO2), Oscar De La Hoya (TKO8), David Diaz (TKO9), Juan Manuel Marquez (SD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Jorge Solis (KO8), Erik Morales (KO, twice)
Notable Loss: Erik Morales (UD)
Notable Draw: Juan Manuel Marquez
Universally recognized as the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world
WBO Welterweight Champion of the World
Juan Manuel Marquez 53-5-1 (39 KO's)
Notable Wins: Michael Katsidis (TKO9), Juan Diaz (Twice, TKO9 & UD), Joel Casamayor (TKO11), Rocky Juarez (UD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Orlando Salido (UD), Derrick Gainer (TD 7)
Notable Losses: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (UD), Manny Pacquiao (SD), Chris John (UD), Freddie Norwood (UD)
Notable Draw: Manny Pacquiao
Unified (WBA & WBO) Lightweight Champion of the World
Seeking to become 2nd Mexican 4-Division Champion
Finally, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez do battle for the third time.
In the first bout, Pacquiao stormed to a quick lead after dropping Marquez three times in the opening round. Marquez would regain his composure, find success via left hooks and straight right hands, but because of the opening round (rightfully scored by most judges 10-6, in favor of Pacquiao), the bout would end in a draw despite Marquez winning more rounds.
The second bout was just as controversial (and spectacular) as the first bout. Pacquiao scored the bout's only knockdown in the third round, which proved to be the difference maker as Manny Pacquiao won via split decision (115-112, 112-115, 114-113).
Pacquiao would go on to win titles in four weightclasses (Lightweight, Jr. Welterweight, Welterweight, Jr. Middleweight) and become arguably boxing's biggest star. Juan Manuel Marquez has since unified Lightweight belts but always was very vocal that he wanted his trilogy bout with Pacquiao to avenge the two bout that he and many felt had won.
Marquez gets his long deserved shot at redemption this Saturday.
Prediction: Manny Pacquiao UD Juan Manuel Marquez (118-110, 10 rounds to 2)
I don't think this fight will be close. The only reason I don't have Pacquiao winning by stoppage is because of sheer Mexican will. Ask any true boxing fan, that means a lot.
The first two bouts were at the Featherweight (126 lbs.) and Jr. Lightweight (130 lbs.) divisions. The third bout will be at a contracted weight of 144 lbs., a full two weightclasses above their last meeting.
The "Pac Man" that Juan Manuel Marquez will face this Saturday is a different version fighter that he has faced prior. Pacquiao has since improved his head and feet movement, taking less hits and throwing more punches from all possible angles. Not to mention that his power has since translated with Pacquiao going up in weight, evident with his stoppage victory over Antonio Margarito as a Jr. Middleweight.
I see Pacquiao throwing and landing punches in bunches while a game Marquez, looking every bit of his 38 years of age, missing wildly with his counter left hooks.
No comments:
Post a Comment