Mexican boxing legend Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KOs) scored a career defining vicious sixth round knockout of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was a knockout which will go down as one of the greatest and most memorable in the history of boxing. It was quite a sight to behold alongside the 16,000 or so in attendance.
With one perfectly timed right counter, Marquez turned the boxing world upside down.
Witnessing the magnitude and shock of the event live was surreal, beyond shocking. It shook the boxing world like Antonio Tarver shook it in 2004 when he knocked out the great Roy Jones Jr. in two rounds of their rematch.
Before the first bell rang, the proud, pro-Mexican crowd was in full force with chants of ?Mexico Marquez! Mexico Marquez! Mexico Marquez.?
No translation required.
As the main event neared, one began to sense it was going to be a special night.
In a bout for the ?WBO?s Fighter of the Decade? title, Marquez and Pacquiao began the first two rounds as in previous fights. Both fighters felt each other out and gave as good as they got.
Finally in the third round, Marquez landed a big right hand which put Pacquiao on the canvas for the first time ever in their storied series.
That?s when a new chant began. ?Si Se Puede! Si Se Puede! Si Se Puede!?
Translation, “Yes You Can!”
Pacquiao bounced back in the fifth to return the favor and had Marquez hurt for most of the round. Marquez?s legs were wobbly for much of the round.
In round six, yet another hotly contested round, both fighters looked to end the round strong in the final ten seconds by getting aggressive. As the bell rang, Marquez hit Pacquiao with a counter right which knocked Pacquiao out cold.
Pacquiao remained on the canvas for several minutes before bath salts were used to revive him.
After the crowd sulked in what it had just witnessed, newer chants began. ?Si Se Pudo! Si Se Pudo! Si Se Pudo!?
Translation,?Yes We Did!?
It was a night to remember for Mexican boxing fans. The arena was filled with cheers for what seemed like an eternity.
Marquez accomplished the unthinkable with a career defining victory over one of the greatest fighters to come around in quite some time, and he did it in the most exciting fashion possible.
That’s legendary any way you cut it.
The series will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest in boxing history. After 42 rounds in the ring together, there was finally a conclusive ending.
Post-fight, Pacquiao stated he would like to continue fighting. Promoter Bob Arum was open to the idea of a fifth fight.
The 39 year-old Marquez stated he is going to take some time off to enjoy the victory with his family and country. He did not elaborate on his next move.
A few days later removed from Vegas, Saturday’s result still seems surreal and special. The impact of its significance will surely be felt for awhile.
Gamboa Wins Dominant Decision
In the co-feature, rapper 50 Cent promoted Cuban boxer, Yuriorkis Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Filipino Michael Farenas (34-4-4, 26 KOs). Farenas was a tough and game fighter, but he was overmatched. He managed to exploit a few of Gamboa?s flaws.
Vasquez Tames Gesta
Miguel Angel Vasquez (33-3, 13 KOs) confounded Filipino Mercito Gesta (26-1-1, 14 KOs) via unanimous twelve round decision to notch the fifth defense of his title. Vasquez used his typical style of constant movement behind a stiff jab. Gesta was never able to land a punch of great significance. The matador tamed the bull.
Fortuna Unimpressive In Victory
Javier Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) won a lackluster decision against Irishmen Patrick Hyland (27-1, 12 KOs). Hyland was too slow for the more naturally talented Fortuna and seldom mounted any offense. Fortuna looked nothing like the monster that destroyed Mexico?s Cristobal Cruz not too long ago.
