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WHAT ABOUT PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ II? By Sev Sarmenta PhilBoxing.com Mon, 21 May 2007 Manny Pacquiao is done with Jorge Solis and trying to win a congressional seat. Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez did their battle last March and Marquez has shown he is truly a fighter and a champion to contend with. So isn’t it about time that Pacquiao and Marquez mix it up again? The first time the two met, Pacquiao looked well on his way to a huge victory. Three knockdowns could have easily stopped any Pacquiao opponent. But Marquez was made of sterner stuff, managed to recover and eke out a draw from what seemed to be a lost cause after the first round. The draw raised more questions than answers. It seems that the time is right for the two to get back in the ring against each other. The WBC has already demanded for a Pacquiao-Marquez battle. But again it depends on what kind of negotiations will take place. Top Rank boss Bob Arum reportedly feels that Marquez is asking for too much despite having what he believes is Marquez’ small fan base. There is also the legal tussle between Golden Boy and Top Rank over Pacquiao that is definitely a hurdle. Ronnie Nathanielsz also reported in PhilBoxing that a purse bid that will ensue if the parties cannot agree. This is not appealing to Pacquiao who stands to earn only 25 per cent being the challenger to Marquez WBC super featherweight title. There’s no question Pacquiao is the bigger draw, especially after his two victories over Erik Morales. But the fight’s the thing and Pacquio-Marquez II is definitely a showdown every fight fan would like to see. Pacquiao needs a serious challenge that will whip him into shape after his congressional campaign. He needs an opponent that will bring out the best in him. A battle with and a win over Marquez will not only win him a belt but serious bragging rights that could even lead to a third part of a new trilogy. I remember that when Rod Nazario was still involved in Pacquiao’s affairs, he did not want Pacman to ever meet Marquez again. Marquez is undoubtedly dangerous but is one of the best of his generation and Pacquiao’s legacy, though already secure, may have to be tested anew by the Mexican “dinamita”. Marquez, in the pre-fight documentary that Golden Boy produced for the Barrera fight (and shown 24 hours a day in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino where the fight was held) mentioned that his ability to come back in the Pacquiao fight revealed his strengths as a fighter. Although Barrera brushed this aside, the truth of the matter is that it indeed was one of the best boxing comebacks ever and did reveal the heart of Marquez. Marquez is also brimming with confidence after that rousing win over Barrera last March. And this year seems to be the best time to face the Filipino champion who really rocked him when they met. Pacquiao-Marquez II should be a fight that every fan would love to see. For two other great fighters, the world awaits anew and hopes that someone will pick up the phone or set up the meeting that will make this fight happen. Related Articles: Pacquiao vs Marquez II. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Sev Sarmenta. |
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