War
New York, NY– For the third time in eight years, “pound for pound” top ranked pugilist Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KOs) will meet and attempt to defend his WBO welterweight (147) crown against fierce competitor Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KOs) over 12 rounds or less at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday at 9 PM ET on HBO PPV.
MANNY’S PATH OF DESTRUCTION
Since his “coming out party” massacre against Marco Antonio Barrera (W TKO 11), Boxing Writer’s Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao is the first boxer in history to win a staggering eight world titles in eight different weight divisions. Considering the level of opposition he has faced by thrice scrapping with Erik Morales (L UD 12, W TKO 10, W KO 3), twice going to war against Juan Manuel Marquez (D 12, W SD 12), and by pounding out one sided drummings over world elite combatants such as Oscar De La Hoya (W TKO 8), Ricky Hatton (W KO 2), Miguel Cotto (W TKO 12), Joshua Clottey (W PTS 12), Antonio Margarito (W UD 12), and Shane Mosley (W UD 12); Manny’s ring endeavors have proven to be credible accolades in support of his status as an all time great living legend.
Pacquiao (right)
A CLOSER LOOK AT PAC MAN
Many of “Pac’s” victims have been systematically broken down by “master” trainer Freddie Roach’s pre fight observations. Roach’s fight plans consist of strategies and tactics, which are usually executed with relative ease by Pacquiao resulting in emphatic victory for the Filipino phenomenon. During such conquests, Manny has shown his own brilliant ring intellect by displaying an ability to control a foe by making an opponent fight his type of fight. On the contrary, (as seen in the early rounds in his bout against Cotto), Manny; on occasion, can get caught in the heat of the moment, become distracted, deviate from his predetermined fight plot, (and to his credit) make the adjustments necessary to beat his opponent at their own game. Pacquiao’s unique style is a hybrid of aggressively fast paced boxing accompanied with sound defense. In consideration of his overall attributes of speed, power, movement, and genius boxing IQ, Manny Pacquiao may not only be the game’s most complete fighter, he may be the most dangerous. Albeit as suggested by several commendable media outlets in regard to his involvement in movies, music, and politics that Manny may be “burning the candle at both ends” and possibly losing some focus toward the hurt business of boxing; evidence of that theory has yet to surface.
MARQUEZ: STILL AMONG THE BEST?
Prior to his failing bid at “pound for pound” greatness against the mighty Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L UD 12), Juan Manuel Marquez fought two epic wars with Manny Pacquiao. During that display of violent pugilistic brilliance, Marquez survived a total of four knockdowns, three of which happened in the very first round of their first encounter, amazingly Marquez fought back, and managed to earn a draw. Knockdown number four came in the second bout, which ultimately led to Juan losing by just a point. Spanning 24 hellacious rounds over two fights with Pacquiao, Marquez became the closest boxer to dethrone the living legend in eight years. Juan Marquez is a vastly experienced craftsman who holds a multitude of impressive wins over such warriors as Marco Antonio Barrera (W UD 12) Joel Casamayor (W TKO 11), Rocky Juarez (W UD 12) Juan Diaz (W KO 9, W UD 12) and Michael Katsidis (W TKO 9).
Marquez (right)
A CLOSER LOOK AT MARQUEZ
Many of Marquez’s “big fights” have turned out to be “old school” brawls displaying intestinal fortitude which produced drama unparalleled to just about anything else seen in life. Juan is a consummate professional and master at his Mexican style of boxing. Like his counterpart, Marquez also enjoys the brain trust of one of boxing’s most dedicated scientific trainers in Nacho Bernstein. In addition to all of those aforementioned attributes, one of the more astonishing qualities of Marquez is that he comes to fight equipt with what I call the “Hell code”, meaning that he tries to take you to Hell and (if need be) he’s willing to go there with you while being well aware that only one of you will make it out. The “Hell code” is a rare trait not possessed by many in the difficult sport of boxing. The legends who have fought successfully with this code of conduct are a special breed of animal, Marquez is surely one of them.
Who’s hand will be raised?
THOUGHTS AND PREDICTION
Over a four span only one point separates these two combatants in favor of Pacquiao. Nearly four years later and almost 20 pounds gained in weight since their first encounter, both men have offered new approaches to their already cemented craft of destroying their adversity. The question that looms here is how much these adjustments will effect the outcome of this battle. Training camp footage of Marquez has shown that perhaps this time at the 147 pound limit, a win against a “top dog” in the division looks more feasible then the first time he traveled north against Mayweather where Marquez was visibly smaller than his opponent. Preparation coverage of Pacquaio has displayed a more focused and concerned version of Manny coupled with a sense of urgency from his team to prepare for war unlike recently seen in his last couple of affairs. In other words, Pacquiao and his camp are not taking Marquez lightly. On the technical side of things, in their previous two contests, Pacquaio has proven to be the more powerful, while an argument can be made that Marquez has shown to be the better tactician in the ring. Having noted these beliefs, if Marquez brings his vastly educated boxing skill to the dance and is able to call upon his seemingly newly found strength to stay on his feet and possibly take Pacquaio off of his, I feel Marquez has a great shot here to pull of the upset.
UNDER CARD
WBO light welterweight (140) belt holder Timothy Bradley (27-0, 11 KOs) meets former multi-division champ Joel Casamayor (38-5-1, 22 KOs) in slated 12 rounder.
Unbeaten light welterweight (140) prospect Mike Alvarado squares off against rugged journeyman Breidis Prescott (24-3, 19 KOs) in proposed 10 rounds of action.
Undefeated super featherweight (130) knockout artist Luis Cruz (19-0, 15 KOs) battles tough barwler Juan Carlos Burgos (27-1, 19 KOs) in a scheduled 10 rounder.
John Signorella