Just as they did the last meeting in 2008, the Marquez camp labeled the verdict ?a robbery? while Pacquiao?s promoter Bob Arum, and trainer Freddie Roach concurred that a re-match should be offered to the Mexican. Pacquiao had insisted he wanted this fight “to be conclusive”, but it clearly was not.
The fight split the judges, ringside observers and crowds of furious fans in the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena as the fighting congressman from The Philippines won for the second time against Marquez. Their first meeting was drawn.
Empty water bottles and plastic beer bottles rained down on the press ranks from disgusted Marquez fans when the 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 scores were read out, the last two in favour of Pacquiao.
Pacquiao?s ringside interview with host broadcasters Home Box Office could not be heard above the din of catcalls and booing.
Your correspondent scored it a draw, with Pacquiao having needed to win the last three rounds on my card to do so. By then, the assault of Marquez, the brave Mexican warrior, was waning as his body tired.
