The fight was billed as “Unfinished Business” as the boxing world had to wait four long years before Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez could continue their epic battle that ended in a draw. But after a heavily contested twelve rounds and a decision that was too close to call, this business is anything but finished.
Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fought a spirited battle that was reminiscent of their first war. But in the end, it would be the Filipino hero who would become the new WBC Super Featherweight champion by defeating Marquez via an extremely close split decision. Both judges Duane Ford and Jerry Roth had identical scores of 115 – 112, but for different fighters while judge Tom Miller had the fight 114-113 in favor of Manny Pacquiao. HipHopDX had the fight 115 – 113, in favor of Marquez.
With the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas jam packed with a contingency representing both the Mexico and the Philippines heavily, the 11,061 in attendance got what they wanted with a fight featuring incredible two way action.
The rematch lived up to the hype and was filled with enough drama to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. The two fighters started off slow as it seemed as if Pacquiao figured to match boxing skills with the champion. After two rounds of being beat to the punch, the third round exploded with vintage Pacquiao and an all out war ensued. But this would be Pacquiao at his best as a thunderous left hand dropped Marquez flat on his back. Although Marquez would rise and stumble his way out of the round, the atmosphere of the fight would change drastically.
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Marquez’ far superior boxing skills would surface throughout the rounds but it would be Pacquiao taking the lead whenever the two exchanged heavy leather. A feverish blitz of punches would give Pacquiao key rounds but Marquez would keep Pacquiao at bay with a counter right that seemed to stun “Pac Man” every time that it landed.
A clash of heads in the seventh opened up a cut outside the right eye of the champion, but the blood only seemed to incite Marquez. The eighth round found Marquez landing a right hand that opened up a bad cut over the eyelid of Pacquiao and the pendulum swung once again in the champion’s direction. A persistent body attack by Marquez stifled Pacquiao’s attack and it seemed that Marquez could possibly pound his way to victory.
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As the championship rounds began, the fans roared at every exchange and the two battered fighters seemed to be fighting on instinct as each traded heavy punches with bad intentions. Both were tired and Marquez took full advantage by continuously landing right hands to the head of Pacquiao, who seemed too drained to sustain the frantic pace he is known for.
By the final bell, fans rose to their feet to applaud yet another war between two excellent fighters. Both countries were convinced that their fighter had one and it was easy to see why. But the judges would be the ones to decide the victor as Manny Pacquiao would get his hand raised and become the new champion as a chorus of boos from Mexican fans drowned out a Filipino celebration.
“I won the fight. It was the wrong decision. One knockdown is not an entire fight,”Marquez stated as he felt robbed once again in his second fight with Pacquiao.
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The decision wouldn’t be without controversy. With Marquez beating out his opponent in every punch stat column, eyebrows were raised by the 115 – 112 Pacquiao scorecard. Richard Schaefer from Golden Boy Promotions – who promotes Marquez – would be the first to bring up a late judge replacement a week before the fight was to take place. That questionable replacement judge (Tom Miller) and his scorecard would be in favor of Pacquiao. Bob Arum stated that the judge was replaced because Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, was good friends with the original judge. Tempers would flare between Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer as they both debated the late replacement – obviously looking toward the interest of their fighters.
“With all this controversy, I think the best thing for boxing and it’s fans would be a rematch between these two great fighters,”Schaefer stated with a hint of dejection in his voice.
But a rematch wouldn’t be that easy as Pacquiao is expected to move up to 135 and challenge David Diaz who won earlier in the night.
Bob Arum would mention that “the public isn’t ready for an immediate rematch, let the cake bake a little” motioning for Pacquiao to not engage in a third war with Marquez, yet.
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“We asked Manny Pacquiao for the immediate rematch, but he clearly said no,”Marquez said in the post fight conference. “It’s all about negotiations,”Freddie Roach stated as he cited that it was Marquez that stalled this rematch for four years.
“I don’t think so, this business is over,”Pacquiao said in regards to a third fight. “I’m moving up to 135 pounds.”
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If Marquez has any say, this business has just begun.
Photo Credit: Anthony Springer Jr.
