36 rounds, 3 close fights, and still no answer as to who is the better fighter between Manny Pacquaio and Juan Manuel Marquez. Their first fight, which took place at 126 pounds in 2004, was an instant classic and contained drastic differences, not only in style, but also in the judgment of that style. Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round, yet Marquez used superior counter-punching, ring savvy and overall skill to force the bout to a draw. Most thought Marquez had done enough to get by the one-sided first round to earn the victory, but the judges saw otherwise.
Fast forward five years and numerous fights later to March 15th, 2008 for Pacquaio-Marquez II, one of the most anticipated rematches in recent history. This 12-round battle, much like the first, included Pacquaio knocking Marquez down with a lightning quick left hand in the third round, which, at least to two of the judges, again seemed to be the difference in Marquez losing in a close and controversial split decision. After their second war, Pacquaio and his camp made it clear that they would fight anyone in the surrounding weight classes except Marquez, as they went on to beat over-matched fighters such as David Diaz, Erik Morales, Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey, as well as fights with washed up or mentally and physically ruined fighters, such as Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley. Marquez had gone on to face his share of over-matched opponents, such as Juan Diaz, Michael Katsidis and Likar Ramos, but still managed to do something Pacquaio has been cautious to do…fight Floyd Mayweather.
