FILIPINO & MEXICAN GO HEAD TO HEAD IN ANOTHER EVEN SCRAP
Los Angeles, CA– It’s apparent that this bout didn’t need to happen. For Juan Manuel Marquez(54-6-1, 39 KOs) though it’s his opportunity to put a W in the win column against Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs), From my perspective the Filipino Congressman is in a no win proposition. Unless you count the payday of course. Regardless of the naysayers, Manny has already won two of the previous bouts, albeit by a close margin.
Juan Manuel Marquez-Manny Pacquiao in 2004
The first bout in which Marquez was knocked down three times in the first round, only to comeback strong in the remaining rounds to salvage a draw, was marred in controversy. Judge Bert Clements, admittedly didn’t know that he could score a round 10-6, which would be the correct score for Pacquiao getting three knockdowns. Thus he scored it 10-7, which led to his 113-113 score. As much as people make of the closeness of that bout, it’s inconceivable that Marquez dominated enough of the remaining rounds to either win or make a case for a draw. The inadequate at best Guy Jutras, had the bout an incomprehensible 115-110, basically giving Marquez the benefit of the doubt in every close round. One must also consider that many referee’s would have stopped that bout after the third knockdown. In this case the “three knockdown” rule was waved and you have to give credit (or blame) referee Joe Cortez for this rivalry.
WILL A CLEAR VICTOR EMERGE THIS TIME?
It’s been redundantly clear that Marquez has a style the gives the Filipino icon problems. While styles make fights, can the Mexican do anything differently to secure a victory? What made JMM more successful in fights 2 and 3 in the minds of many was his reluctance to engage and his preference to counterpunch. This style helped him stay on his feet in the last bout, however that style led to his largest margin of defeat, a majority decision last November. It’s obvious that once Marquez gets more aggressive with his approach he ends up getting the worst of exchanges, but when he lays back and waits for Pacquiao to make mistakes, he winds up losing many close and crucial rounds. At 39, even with a bulked up incredible body, can he do anything differently to change the minds of the judges?
FIGHT WILL BE CLOSE WITH A CLEAR WINNER
Many are picking Marquez to pull out a victory this time out. All the talk of the judges possibly getting it right this time is just that; talk. All three fights were close, however when you compare scoring criteria, it is more likely than not that effective aggression, or just aggression period trumps ring generalship in the minds of judges. The idea that people expect judges, who are human beings, to not be able to make critical errors in scoring when they literally have ten seconds after a round to turn in a scorecard is unrealistic. It is apparent that when one fighter “appears” to be doing more damage, he is. Much of judging is the perception a judge gets from the action. It’s clear in my mind this is the reason Pacquiao will win this fourth fight and lay all the controversy to rest. The impression the Filipino gives to spectators, especially those who have little or no knowledge of boxing, is that he’s winning. In my mind his ability to leave a lasting impression in the minds of judges in comparison to Marquez’ laid back workman like approach to boxing is the major reason he lost the last two bouts and loses here.
-Kevin Perry