Close Controversial Win by Manny Pacquiao Over Juan Manuel Marquez

The boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao who piled up tremendous accolades and recognitions in the past several years staked his lofty reputation against embattled ring gladiator Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez. To date Pacquiao had collared seven world titles in seven different weight divisions making him the first and only boxer to accomplish such feat. The Filipino ring hero is the reigning WBO junior welterweight champion and the number one pound-for-pound king. But did he really won his bout against the gritty and fiery Marquez?

The result was so close and it could’ve gone either way but as soon as the smoke of battle settled down it was Pacquiao that emerged victorious and kept his belt intact. The scorecards of the three judges were so close, as Pacquiao win by the skin of his teeth over his opponent. Pacquiao triumphed via majority decision over Marquez. It’s a draw on Robert Hoyle’s score card as both of the fighters scored 114 apiece, while the two remaining judges saw Pacquiao winning by close margins. Dave Moretti and Glenn Trowbridge scored it 115-113 and 116-112 respectively in favor of Pacquiao.

Marquez was a sore loser as he skipped the post fight interview believing he was robbed of a win just like in their previous two fights. The Mexican pugilist eked out just a draw on his first encounter with Pacquiao and lost on their second meeting via a split decision. Marquez reckoned that he won on these two bouts.

The verdict of the third fight was booed by many fans that watched the bout, but looking at the fight very closely and putting into the drawing table some factors it is clear that Pacquiao deserved the win.

Here are the reasons why Pacquiao won the fight:

• Pacquiao who is also a congressman in his hometown province of Sarangani initiated the exchanges and attacks though he is the defending champion but not as a challenger. If a challenger steps on the boxing ring he must be the aggressor and not just a mere counter-puncher. If you want to steal a belt from a vaunted champion you must earn it the right and dignified way, not by way of just running around all the time and looking for the perfect timing to unleash a streak of combinations or lethal attacks.

• Pacquiao won in the scorecards of the reputed judges and their verdict is irrevocable. Going into the last round of the match. The prized fighter from the General Santos City, Philippines was trailing by a point in the first judge, led just by a point in the second judge and led by 5 in the third judge. This just implies that the bout was decided on the 12^th round. Two of the three judges give the 12^th round to Pacquiao thus sealing the close win for him.

• Marquez used some dirty tricks and tactics in the books just to contain Pacquiao. If you will look at the video of the bout, Marquez can be seen stepping on the foot of Manny Pacquiao not once, not twice, not thrice but as many as ten times. Aw, this is indeed awful. Now I will not wonder why Pacquiao is not on his peak fighting form and he was so sluggish at some crucial stretch of the boxing match. Stepping on one’s foot can be taxing it reduces the speed of your opponent, make footwork out of sync, drains valuable energy and makes your adversary vulnerable to attacks. The antics of Marquez made me believe further that Pacquiao won the fight.

• Statistics-wise Pacquiao is also ahead. Pacquiao landed 176 of 578 punches while the passive and defensive-minded Marquez landed only 138 of 436. Pacquiao landed 117 power punches as compared to just the 100 collected by Marquez.

• Pacquiao was a 7-1 favorite to win the bout

• Pacquiao winning is unbeaten on his last 15 bouts

• Pacquiao now totes a record of 54 wins 3 losses and two draws while Marquez record limped to 54 wins 6 losses and one draw

• Pacquiao is expected to earn at least 22 million dollars while Marquez stand to earn $5 million

• The boxing match between the two fierce boxing gladiators was witnessed by a sellout crowd