There is no end to this long-running saga between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, as they stage their fourth installment Saturday evening in Las Vegas. Because these world champions have waged three close battles since May 2004, the excitement is still high for this non-title welterweight bout. The last time these two stepped into the ring was November 2011, with Pacquiao, who turns 34 this month, and has a record of 54-4-2 with 38 knockouts, given a majority decision. Their middle bout in March 2008 was also close, and it again went to the Pac-Man via split decision, while their initial encounter was ruled a draw. Pacquiao is coming off a controversial loss to undefeated Timothy Bradley Jr. this past June, but remains a mega-star despite some of his ring skills having diminished. The 39-year-old Marquez is always in shape and has been able to find the drive and desire to give his best effort, and will once again. This match will likely proceed along the same lines as the others with Pacquiao leading the way and Marquez counter-punching, which is his calling card. The action will be furious, but at times there will be lulls because Pacquiao, according to his longtime trainer Freddie Roach, has slowed down some. Pacquiao will find a way to win, and Marquez, who owns a mark of 54-6-1 with 39 knockouts, again asking what does he need to do in order to get a decision. BY: Chip Mitchell I like Marquez by stoppage. I know he?s 40. I know none of the fights have ended early. However, JMM is going to go for it. He may leave himself open to get dropped once again, but he always gets up. Sometimes a guy has your number. If (and I say IF) the first fight was a draw, the second fight was a slim JMM victory, and the third fight was a slightly larger victory- and JMM has nothing to show for it- what?s left? To win by a little more and still come up a loser? Marquez knows what time it is. Manny didn?t want this fight for a reason. JMM wins by stoppage. Not necessarily a solid KO, but a legit stoppage. BY: Dr.Pietro Baio
Pacquiao and Marquez have already given us 3 great fights to remember. Each fight has some subtle technique changes. Pacquiao has built a legacy of the trilogy so far. I think we can expect Marquez to finally pull one out by decision finally. After the Bradley fight I think we have seen VEGAS turning their backs on Pacquiao. It?s time for something new and fresh. If this come close once again, which I am sure it will, I see the judges giving it to Marques in the end. Lets give the Mexican fans something to cheer for. BY: Albert Alvarez Many of you are not feeling this fight right now, But I?m pretty sure that most of you will still tune in. I mean how can you not? All three of their fights have been very close fights to call. Pacquiao and Marquez seem to know each other very well, and it shows. Both fighters seem to find answers for one another each and every time that they lock horns. This battle is every bit of Nacho vs. Roach as it is Pacquiao vs. Marquez. I have always picked Pacquiao to beat Marquez, but for this last installment, I am going to go with Juan Manuel Marquez to finally get the official win over his arch rival. I strongly believe that Pacquiao?s inner confidence is long gone, and that is the main reason as to why he couldn?t put Bradley out in his last fight. Manny still has crazy speed, fast feet, and a lot of power, but the killer intensity that came from his inner confidence is what has lately been holding him back. If Manny Pacquiao can somehow capture that kill or be killed intensity and apply it into his mental capacity, Pacquiao will then be able to finally stop Marquez once and for all. Question is, can that fire once again be recaptured? Marquez on the other hand, seems to be the more confident fighter going into this clash. Pacquiao must see Marquez?s confidence as crystal clear as I can see it, Pacquiao must now more than ever transform into a dragon and spit out balls of flames at Marquez. You have got to take Marquez?s confidence away from him, just as he has done to you. If Pacquiao fails to do so, it?s going to then be Marquez once again countering and picking Pacquiao apart round after round. As of right now, I?m picking Marquez to once and ?FOUR? all to finally get the nod over Pacquiao. Marquez by split decision.( I know that I just now used ?four? in a improper use, should be ?once and for all?, but seeing that this is the fourth fight between Pacquiao/Marquez, it looks wrong, but sounds so right).
