Pacquiao - Marquez III: The Controversy

A lot of people might have noticed that, although the Pacquiao - Marquez match-up was fast approaching, I wasn't able to post up my predictions on the upcoming fight. With the results you see now, you will know now why. I knew coming into the fight that Marquez was and will always be the greatest challenge for Manny Pacquiao. Juan Manuel Marquez is a technically sound fighter who has dominated fighters through counter-punching. Although, fans did not always admired the art of its style, that is why, in the Golden Featherweight Era, aggressive fighters were always at the limelight.

These fighters, particularly, Prince Naseem Hamed, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Manny Pacquiao caught the attention of boxing fans, as Marquez fights in the shadows. Up until his opportunity in fighting Manny Pacquiao, first blood drew, and since that time, Marquez had already solved him. A draw from their first fight, it was clear that although the points might favor Pacquiao with his early knockdowns, Marquez had won more rounds. Controversy stirs even greater, as the Pacquiao - Marquez II had been concluded. The result is a split-decision favoring Pacquiao.

A lot of people had their differences in opinion, some favoring Pacquiao, some for Marquez, or even a Draw. It was a close fight. So it was high time that Pacquiao - Marquez III will be imminent, and so I had my thoughts that it will be a dangerous fight for both fighters, and there was no doubt in my mind that it won't be a great fight. Before the fight, I had predicted a Unanimous Decision for Pacquiao. I knew Marquez won't get knocked-out, but I had the feeling that he might get knocked down, which wasn't the case.

Marquez did last the full twelve rounds with the Pacman, and all rounds were close rounds, although two rounds, I saw Marquez dominating. People were shocked and in awe with the performance Marquez had done in the ring against Pacquiao. Truthfully, I was expecting that. Marquez had always been the Pacquiao Nemesis. There is no other fighter that Marquez wants to beat except Pacquiao. Even in the Mayweather - Marquez match-up, Marquez had overlooked Mayweather and was hoping to fight Pacquiao next. For me, that indicates of how determined he is to defeat the current pound for pound fighter in Pacquiao.

I had tremendous respect for Marquez and I knew coming into the fight that its going to be a very close match up. Did I predict it to be controversial? No, but I did predict that each round will be close rounds. What surprised me is that Marquez was able to dominate Pacquiao in certain rounds, and Pacquiao was unable to do it. Nonetheless, I had to score the fight the way I see it. Setting aside what the commentators had to say or the loud Mexican's in the area, I had to look on who was more effective in each round.

Sure I had Marquez dominating two rounds, but my initial score was two rounds up for Pacquiao 115-113. I heard what the commentators and the crowd had to say, but I actually felt and saw Manny Pacquiao winning by a slight margin in my scorecards. Everyone had split opinions, so I had to watch the fight all over again on replay. Top Rank commentators and Sky sports had Marquez winning the fight. Harold Lederman, the Official Judges, as well as myself, on the other hand, had Pacquiao winning. It was a Majority Decision win for Manny Pacquiao.

So it definitely was a close fight and the decision can go either way. I know a lot of people may have felt Juan Manuel Marquez should have won that fight, but stepping aside from favoritism, I had to judge the fight fairly. Based on aggression in the close rounds, I had Pacquiao stealing some rounds. There were times in the fight, that although close, I just saw that Pacquiao landed more punches than Marquez. No doubt in my mind though that Marquez was hitting the cleaner and harder shots.

I was basing each round on punch stat, and that is the reason why I had Manny ahead by two points. Pacquiao was hitting Marquez too much although not as clean and solid as Marquez', but just the volume of punches sealed every rounds that Pacquiao had won in my score cards. Final Decision: Even after watching the replays, I have Manny Pacquiao 115-113. It's a close fight so I can't blame anyone with the marks their giving on either sides, but the most important aspect that we need to understand, is that Boxing has produced another great match-up, and I am so excited to be even part of this hype.

The feeling I feel right now, is indescribable. At the end of the day, It is a close fight, and everyone is entitled to their opinions, but a Pacquiao - Marquez 4 is watchable. There is still much controversy in these dispute, and as long as there is controversy, match-up's don't end. The Spirit of the fight remains alive. I want a fourth fight and I know Floyd Mayweather Jr. knows it's time to fight this guy. Either Pacquiao - Mayweather or Pacquiao - Marquez 4, I would pay a fortune to watch any of these fights.

Tremendous respect for Juan Manuel Marquez. I haven't seen Pacquiao getting hit as much as how Marquez has hit him. I thought, the performance he did in this fight must place Marquez on the third spot on the pound for pound rankings. He must not retire, for he has more to offer in boxing. I know a lot of people must be upset, but I just can't help it. I actually saw what the judges were seeing in that fight. I saw it. Even if you call me blind or whatever, I scored it, and I had Pacquiao winning by two points.

Picture: One of the clean shots Juan Manuel Marquez had been landing flush on Manny Pacquiao's face.

Pacquiao-Margarito Hype

As the upcoming Pacquiao-Margarito fight is fast approaching, I thought I'd be able to put some real analysis on how it's going to be played, my prediction, and it's significance. First off, I'd like to say that, I had a very bad day, but thanks to some posts in Facebook, I never thought that I'd be updated with the current "Face to Face segment with Max Kellerman" which featured both Pacquiao and Margarito. I've seen the previous segments of it, since the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, and it never fails to create some hype or bring interest to a viewer. I remembered the phrase "ding, ding, round one", for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, as it signifies the awaiting of one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. The current segment for Pacquiao-Margarito somehow, closed the day for me to smile again, and feel like shouting with aggression. I was like, "Man oh man!!" and you can hear me shouting "Oh yeah!" and up until now, every hair in my body is standing, just like some surge of adrenaline, being incorporated into my system. The entire clip in youtube, seems to look like some serious talk like they always do, and some indirect threats, that intrigues your mind, and make you unconsciously say that "This is gonna be a great fight" or "I can't wait til' these guys trade some leather." In the video, Pacquiao and Margarito were seated face to face, and as the discussion goes on, Freddie Roach said that Manny Pacquiao is going to knock Antonio Margarito in eight rounds. Margarito, in response, seemed to joke saying "does he see me crippled?", and Roach replied, "I've seen your last two fights", and that reply definitely put a serious face on Margarito. Knowing that Pacquiao has been dominating opponents, and is more often being favored to win by knock out, I thought that Margarito really has to put some serious thought on what he's getting into. That simple magic from HBO boxing, was enough to put some fire into my heart, that seemed to burn me inside with adrenaline. So the fight is going to be on the 13th of November, in the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito Fight.

How is it going to be played?

As a boxing analyst, (I have analyzed lots of fights that seemed to agree with my theories and expectations) I will point out the difference between the two, starting off with height. Margarito is taller than Pacquiao, as the fight goes along, I know it wouldn't be a factor. As I've seen Margarito's fights, he is the type who bends his head towards his chest, and is more of a slugger than a boxer. I can compare Margarito to Oscar de la Hoya, but in terms of skills, a prime De la Hoya, to me, is better. Pacquiao will be lunging in and out like he always does, which will help to his advantage. Pacquiao has better boxing ability compared to Margarito. I can picture, Margarito chasing on Pacquiao, as he is turning on angles, going in and out. In terms of speed, Pacquiao is on the clear advantage, hands down. The fight will seem to follow the same pattern of the De la Hoya-Pacquiao fight, as Manny will be utilizing his footwork, trying to turn Margarito, who is a slugger. In terms of power, I believe, Pacquiao should not take a gamble, and trade with Margarito. I suggest that he should be contented hammering him, with boxing. Margarito's uppercuts are lethal, but Pacquiao's "in and out" will neutralize that. Pacquiao will have an advantage of stance, as he is a southpaw. I expect, lots of left straights from Manny in this fight.

My Prediction

Pacquiao will win by knock out! An early knock down, is possible, perhaps in the third to fifth rounds. The knock out will come at rounds eight to ten. It will never go past round 10. Pacquiao will use some boxing in the early rounds, with some flashes of power, here and there. As the fight progresses, I can see Margarito slowing considerably on rounds six onwards. Pacquiao will take advantage on that reduction of speed, and will start hammering and trading shots at that point. Margarito will be on the defensive on the later rounds, and I can see Pacquiao chasing him, and pouring lots of punches. I say this, it's because, Margarito isn't much of a fast fighter, so I can see Pacquiao hurting Margarito early. As Margarito is being pummeled continuously, he won't be the same, that's why I said he'd slow down. All in all, the key for Pacquiao to winning the fight is, boxing ability, power, accuracy, foot work, angles, and speed. As for Margarito, if he could learn to counter effectively, it would make Pacquiao more hesitant, and would work to his advantage. Margarito should fight tall, and use that solid left jab of his. He should not expect a slug fest from Manny, because it's not going to happen, so the best way is for him to box effectively. The first who makes the mistake, will be the first to lose, that is why, patience is a virtue, especially in boxing.

It's Significance

If Manny Pacquiao will win this fight, it would make him an eight division world champion, putting him further to the top, as the first one to do it. The second fighter to win a championship in different divisions, only won at six weight classes, therefore, an eight division champion is definitely unheard of. It will cement his status as part of the Hall of fame, and an all time great. If Margarito will pull out an impressive upset, it will garner him the status as part of the elite rankings in his division, and pound for pound. If Margarito will win this, I think Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be top one, and Margarito will be top two respectively.

Final Thoughts

Again, all these are opinions, and anything can happen in the boxing ring. Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito are great fighters, and I expect a great fight from them that people will talk for ages. HBO boxing has been so great for the sport, I wish they would continue to do what they do, in bringing excitement in major boxing events. I will leave you all with some words to ponder, as I say, "A challenge, is a food for champions, without them, there will be no champions."

Trivia

Antonio Margarito was banned for years due to illegal hand wrapping with a solution of "Plaster of Paris" after his fight with Sugar Shane Mosley.

Antonio Margarito has the same boxing nickname as I am, as he is the "Tijuana Tornado", my nickname is "Tornado".