In 2004, Marquez was sent to the mat three times by the 32-year-old Pacquiao in the first round but somehow survived the brutal beating and forced a draw. In their rematch in 2008, Pacquiao caught Marquez with a vicious left hook but the latter beat the count and finished the fight but lost by a close split decision.
?It could be a good fight because the preparation of Marquez was extensive. I think Marquez has nothing to lose and everything to gain. It will be a good fight maybe more exciting than the first and the second. I forecast Pacquiao will win because of the weight difference. He (Marquez) is fighting Pacquiao?s weight,? said SGG Promotions head Sammy Gello-ani.
Both promoters believe Pacquiao would have the natural weight advantage and also the edge in speed because Marquez?s natural weight division is at 135.
Marquez is moving two divisions higher and challenge for Pacquiao?s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown at a 144-pound catch weight.
Speed
?Speed will dominate and Pacquiao will possibly knockout Marquez in the eighth, ninth or 10th round. However, if Marquez will make a mistak, then Pacquiao will drop him in the early rounds,? said Gello-ani.
One-time world title challanger Rey Bautista also exdpects Pacquiao to win by knockout.
?Pacquiao will knockout Marquez in eight rounds,? said Bautista, who will headline Pinoy Pride 10 on Dec. 12 at the Hoops Dome.
However, retired fighter Z Gorres says the fight is too close to call but also expects a knockout.
?There will be a knockout,? said Gorres, who suffered a career-ending injury before the Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto fight.
