There’s some four year old business that needs to be tended to. But first let’s go back to the beginning…
In a fight that started as a ferocious blitz and an apparent blowout turned into one of the most fascinating comebacks in boxing history. Four years ago, Manny Pacquiao faced Juan Manual Marquez in a war that surpassed many onlookers lofty expectations. But it almost ended before it even really began…
Manny Pacquiao came into that fight fresh off of a surprisingly easy knockout Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. A whirlwind of offense made the Filipino hero known as “Pac Man” one of the most exciting fighters on boxing’s radar and on the night of May 8th, 2004, Pacquiao looked to sustain that label. 90 seconds into the first round, Pacquiao’s destructive left hand found Marquez face seemingly at will and shortly after Marquez was on his backside being counted out. Marquez would rise but Pacquiao would knock him down two more times as the thousands in the audience watched in shock. Referee Joe Cortez calmly let a fight continue that many referees would have easily stopped. “Pac Man” and his blitzkrieg nearly demolished Marquez and when the bell rang beginning round two, the ending seemed elementary. But things aren’t always what they seem…
Juan Manual Marquez was on a rampage to stake claim as the dominant Mexican fighter but was cast in the tremendous shadows of Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. Knocking out 10 of his previous 11 fights leading up to a fight with Pacquiao – who had just six months ago disposed of Barrera – positioned Marquez as the next premier Mexican fighter. Not only was this fight the biggest of Marquez‘ career, but Mexicans all over wanted revenge for the beating that Barrera was handed. Marquez, then the WBA and IBF featherweight champion, looked ready with his superior boxing skills and heavy hands. But before he could break a sweat on May 8th 2004, he found himself bloodied and staggering to his corner at the end of round one. Any other night, any other fighter, any other referee and this fight would have been over. But it wasn’t…
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Round after round, Juan Manual Marquez grew stronger and began to figure out Pacquiao’s then one dimensional attack. Marquez slowly solved the Filipino Rubix cube and began to time his opponent with brutal body shots and ripping hooks to the face of Pacquiao.
By the time the 12th round ended, fans were on their feet applauding a brawl that satisfied even the most bloodthirsty boxing fan. When the scorecards were read, everyone in attendance and watching at home was in shock that the fight ended with a majority draw. Neither Pacquiao nor Marquez would leave happy. But the thousands in attendance and watching on HBO left the MGM ecstatic after witnessing a fight for the ages. The obvious question wasn’t if they would fight again but how soon?
Four years have passed. Pacquiao has taken the boxing world by storm as he has been labeled the “Mexican Executioner” after destroying the best Mexico had to offer including Erik Morales (KO 3, TKO 10), Oscar Larios (W 12), Emanuel Lucero (TKO 3), Hector Velazquez (TKO 6) and Jorge Solis (KO 8). He’s become the biggest star the Philippines had to offer and even took home 2006 Fighter of the Year honors. He currently sits as Ring Magazines 2nd best Pound for Pound fighter behind only Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
For the last four years, Juan Manuel Marquez’ career has been riddled with turmoil. Problems with promoter Bob Arum led to Marquez not signing on for the rematch that he so passionately desired. Talk of money and lies flew through the media as the finger pointing led to Marquez being stagnant at a time when his stock was rising. After finally leaving Arum two fights later, Marquez flew to Indonesia to fight Chris John for a paltry purse of roughly $35k. Not only was the purse well short of what Marquez deserved, he also ended up losing a controversial decision. Many thought it was the end of the road for Marquez but the passion and desire to fight willed him back into the boxing picture as he finally found himself in the spotlight after beating Barrera in 2007. He’s now the WBC super featherweight champion and recognized as the #3 Pound for Pound fighter in the world behind Mayweather and Pacquiao.
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It’s only right that this fight is billed as “Unfinished Business.”
So many questions will be asked on the night of March 14th 2008:
– Can Marquez begin their second fight like the 13th round of their first?
– Will Pacquiao finish what he started in round 1 of their first fight?
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– How will four years affect the now 35 year old Marquez?
– How much has Pacquiao learned after his first fight with Marquez?
– Will it be the war that everyone anticipates?
And finally…
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Who is the best featherweight in the world?
All this will be answered when Juan Manuel Marquez (48-3-1 35KOs) defends his WBC super featherweight championship against Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2 34KOs) this Saturday on HBO PPV (catch the round by round live updates here on HipHopDX.com beginning at 8pm PT/11pm ET).
There’s lots of business to tend to but only one will finish it.
