It is a superfight that needs no explanation. We have two of the best boxers in the world pound for pound today facing each other again after having fought to a draw in May 2004, but that hasn?t stopped SecondsOut?s team of fearless writers from making their confident picks for Saturday night?s junior lightweight battle at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, USA between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, televised in the USA on HBO Pay-Per-View.
?A real toss up… For the record, I thought Marquez won the first fight by a few points, but that was 2004. Marquez is 34 years old now and Pacquiao is peaking. I think Pacman wins by TKO11 to win the WBC 130 lbs title in a great fight containing excellent two-way action. Pacquiao W.TKO.11.? – Gregory Juckett, Content Editor
?In a match like this involving two of the best boxers in the world today, it is almost impossible to pick a winner. I can see circumstances where either man could win by knockout or on points. What can be predicted is that it will be a close fight and another thriller. I am leaning towards selecting the younger Pacquiao to win on points over the distance. Pacquiao W.12.? – Paul Upham, Content Editor
?It has been getting harder and harder to pick a winner in the fights that have been made recently. Now it?s The Pacman and J M Marquez to choose from. They fought to a draw four years ago, so we know that they will be competitive. Interestingly they have had similar records since they met. Pacquiao is 7-1 and Marquez is 6-1 over the last four years. Marquez got up three times in the first round and had to battle back to that draw suggesting that he had to have a three point edge during the rest of the fight to overcome. Does he have momentum on his side four years later? Maybe, but Manny has been looking great so I think it will be Pacquiao by yet another decision that will compete for ?fight of the year? honors. Pacquiao W.12.? – Jerry Glick
?Even though it was less exciting than usual, I liked what I saw from Pacquiao in his last match. Surprisingly, he didn?t outfight Barrera – he outboxed him. He was using footwork to get better positioning. His defence was more focused. He was throwing some feints in there. He was working the jab and mixing his punches up as opposed to repeating his jab-left combo. We know he can hold his own in a slugfest, but now I think he?ll be able to hold his own in a tactical duel as well. It won?t be easy against a guy of Marquez?s calibre, but I think he?ll edge out a decision on two of the cards this time. Pacquiao W.SD.12.? – Sean Waisglass
?To beat Pacquiao, an opponent must have almost flawless technical ability to trump the Filipino?s ferocity and speed. Juan Manuel Marquez, when at his best, possesses that ability and he employed it fully in their first drawn boxing match from the second round, when he authored a staggering comeback after being knocked down three times in the opening round. A couple of years later, the Mexican tried a new aggressive approach and ended up in an exciting, but reckless, blood and tears match against Jimrex Jaca – an undisciplined fight that forced him back to his more natural style shortly thereafter. If Marquez tries to punch with someone like Pacquiao, he?s toast. I believe, though, that his focus, left jab and awesome counter punching will be on show this Saturday and could see him frustrate and out-score his opponent over the twelve rounds. Marquez W.12.? – Michael Norby
?The fight depends on how Pacquiao fights the fight. If he turns it into a war then Pacquiao wins, although Marquez will fight the war toe to toe. If it becomes a boxing match then it must favour Marquez. But Pacquiao?s hungry for this and I just can?t see Marquez beating him. Pacquiao W.12? – Craig Phillips
?Marquez was denied a clear victory four years ago, despite the controversial 10-6 of the first round. Could have been a 10-0, he was the better man and will outbox the Pacman again to earn the victory and the place in history that he deserves. Marquez W12.? – Juan Pablo Manfredi
?I see another distance fight. Pacquiao has not looked that awesome in his last couple of fights – the return with Marco Antonio Barrera in particular – but he has reportedly been ?training like a maniac? for this one. At his best, Pacman is ruthless, as Erik Morales found out. I think the boxing skills of Marquez will see this Mexican giving Manny some big problems, however. I go for Pacquiao, via a close decision. Pacquiao W.12.? – James Slater
?Pacquiao seems to be really up for this one and by his own admission has been going that extra mile in training. Pacquiao says he?s hungry, Marquez says he?s hungry, but I think Pacquiao has a bigger appetite. Pacquiao to win.? – Bernard O?Neill
?From what I hear the Pacman has had his best training camp in a long time and is very focused and very determined. I expect to see him show his intent from opening bell and, despite Marquez boxing well and winning some rounds, I believe the Filipino?s power will be the deciding factor in or around the 11th. Pacquiao W.KO.11.? – Andrew Wake
?I have been flip-flopping between Pacquiao and Marquez ever since this rematch was announced. In the end, it will come down to the way each fighter has changed since they first met. Marquez has recently taken more chances by trading more often with his opponents. He probably won?t have to force the action with Pacquiao, who remains an offensive force. The difference is that Pacquiao has since added another weapon to the arsenal, a right hand known as ?Manila Ice?. It will be that punch that drops Juan Manuel late to secure a unanimous decision. Pacquiao W.UD.12.? – Jason Pribila
?Boxing is so good these days, many fights where it could go either way. I think Marquez? superior boxing skills will ultimately win it for him. Pacquiao has a punchers chance but I think Marquez would have learnt from the first encounter and will boxer smarter now. Marquez W.UD.12.? – Lwazi Ndzobongo
?Since their classic encounter in 2004, Pacquiao has gone on to greatness, while Marquez has spent the money years of his career mostly treading water. Still super-sharp, Marquez will test Pacquiao, but bringing out the best in Manny will ultimately be his undoing. If the need to close the show was the lesson Pacquiao learned in their first fight, the difference between very good and great is what he?ll teach all of us on Saturday. Pacquiao by knockout.? – Jason Rhodes
?This is one of the toughest fights to pick. Both men are sharp and at the top of their game. Marquez is a superb professional but Pacquiao?s energy and heavier hands takes the contest. Pacquiao by close decision. Pacquiao W.12.? – Harry Rosenbluth
?I don?t think this one will live up to the first fight but what can? I see it as being good fight with Marquez having his moments, but in the end, Pacquiao winning a decision. Pacquiao W.12.? – Ray Kilgore
Total:
MANNY PACQUIAO = 12
JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ = 3
