MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez hates to lose. And in his professional boxing history, the Mexican?s record lists five defeats ? to Javier Duran on a first round disqualification in his pro debut in 1993, to Freddie Norwood on a unanimous decision in 1999, to Chris John on a unanimous decision in 2006, to Manny Pacquiao on a split decision in 2008 and to Floyd Mayweather Jr. on a unanimous decision in 2009.
It?s a testament to Marquez? durability and staying power that he has never been knocked out or stopped. He has taken eight mandatory eight-counts and each time, got up to go the distance. Against Pacquiao, he was floored thrice in the first round of their initial encounter in 2004 and once in the third round of their rematch in 2008. He was floored by Darryl Pinckney but recovered to win on points in 1996. Marquez was also knocked down by Michael Katsidis but stood up to halt the Australian. Norwood and Mayweather sent Marquez to the canvas once apiece. Marquez was clearly decked by Marco Antonio Barrera in 2007 but referee Jay Nady ruled it a slip. In any case, Marquez outpointed Barrera.
To this day, Marquez insists he was robbed twice in his two fights against Pacquiao. This weekend, he has a chance to prove himself. Marquez and Pacquiao face off in their third encounter with the WBO welterweight title at stake in Las Vegas.
?I?ll admit it, I?m a sore loser,? said Marquez, quoted by Joseph Santoliquito in The Ring Magazine (June 2009). ?I?ve accomplished so much in my career that I?m somewhat satisfied but I think I was robbed the first two Pacquiao fights. I want to be free and clear of that Pacquiao thorn. I won?t think I?m the best until I beat Pacquiao. That?s still a thorn in my side and I want more than anything to have my arm raised after a fight with Pacquiao. That?s what I think will satisfy me. Manny Pacquiao is on my mind.?
Marquez said in whatever sport he plays, he plays to win. ?I don?t like to lose,? he continued. ?It really is that simple. I?m the world?s worst sore loser. You see that look, that look you call the ?El Diablo? look, that comes from when I was a kid playing in the streets regardless of what I played. You can go back and see pictures of me as an amateur or when I played other sports. I had that same look on my face.?
Although Marquez detests losing, bad luck has hounded even when he was a boy. It?s like a curse he can?t get rid of. When he was 12, Marquez competed in a Mexican national amateur tournament. He won his first bout then in his second, lost the decision he claimed he deserved.
