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Pacquiao, Marquez, Morales, Barrera The Four Kings of the 2000s By Teodoro Medina Reynoso PhilBoxing.com Wed, 17 Jun 2020  In recognition of their brilliant ring accomplishments highlighted by their own fierce rivalries, many fans are now calling Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik "El Terible" Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as Four Kings of the 2000s. This is in direct reference to the original "Four Kings of the 80s" made up of the American superb trio of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas the Hitman Hearns and Panamanian great Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran. The comparison is as compelling as it was intriguing. There, however, was little to dispute about the order of billing with Hagler and Pacquiao as primus inter pares or first among equals. In their rivalries, Hagler lost just one fight, and by controversial split decision at that, against Leonard in 1987. Marvelous Marvin defeated both Hearns and Duran convincingly. Leonard was 2-1 versus Duran, losing their first fight by unanimous decision in 1980, winning the second by the infamous, inconclusive no mas TKO later that same year and the third by a somewhat flat points decision in 1989. Leonard was 1-0-1 against Hearns, winning their first fight by come from behind technical knockout in 1981 and barely escaping with what is generally seen as a gift draw in their long delayed rematch also in 1989. Hearns, though just 0-2-1 versus Leonard and Hagler held a decisive face-first second round knockout victory over Duran in 1984. Duran's saving grace was his win over Leonard and a fighting points defeat to Hagler also in 1984. There is also no argument among fans about Pacquiao as the top monarch among the Four Kings of the 2000s. Manny was 2-1-1 versus Marquez, 2-1 against Morales and 2-0 over Barrera in their head to head duels. Marquez was only 1-2-1 against Manny and 1-0 over Barrera. But his surprise knockout victory over Manny in 2012 is considered as among the best ever wins registered by a Mexican fighter. Morales was only 1-2 against Barrera and also 1-2 versus Manny. But his points win over Manny in 2005 is also considered as among the brilliant ever by a Mexican fighter. Barrera's saving grace was his two Fight of the Year wins over Morales. Marquez and Morales both won four world division championships but Juan Ma won his in succession from 126 lbs.to 140 lbs. Erik failed to win a world title at lightweight, gaining his fourth at junior welterweight to go with his earlier championships at 122, 126 and 130 lbs. Both though won their fourth world titles at 140 against virtual newbies, Cesar Cuenca and Sergei Fedchenko. Barrera won world titles in succession from 122 to 130 at the expense of Morales and Prince Nasem Hamed but failed to win a lightweight title (like Morales in 2007), losing by technical decision to Amir Khan in 2009 but it was not for a world but just for an international championship. Manny's winning a record high eight world championships in as many weight classes, seven within 2001-2010 is simply much too much in this reckoning. Apart from his wins over Barrera, Morales and Marquez, he also held title wins over David Diaz, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley. He also stopped and retired Oscar de la Hoya in 2008. Of the fearsome foursome, Manny is the only one still fighting to these days and now on his fourth reign at welterweight as proud and rightful holder of the WBA super championship in a stacked division. Indeed, he remains a true boxing warrior and king even in his 40s. Woe to Floyd Mayweather who retired undefeated with wins over Oscar, Marquez and Pacquiao among many others. But no one called him a boxing king. Not even a ring warrior. Boxing's premier cash cow, undoubtedly. But he is no ring royalty as far as the fans are concerned. The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.  |
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