Moments ago, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao still left critics wondering about his first two performances against lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, barely getting by his rival over the course of 12 rounds to win a controversial majority decision in the third and final fight of their exciting trilogy. Marquez appeared to be outboxing Pacquiao from the start, using his superior technical skills to keep Pacquiao at bay. Pacquiao would come on strong landing big shots, but each and every time, Marquez would answer him with big shots of his own. Fans seemed to be unsatisfied with the outcome of the fight, but it was another close battle between two fighters who seemingly will always give each other problems. Relive all the action in FightHype’s in-depth, minute-by-minute round-by-round results.
PRE-FIGHT Great tribute to the late great Joe Frazier before the fight. Now the singing of the National Anthems as both fighters warm up in their locker rooms. Wow. HBO reveals that Marquez weighs more than Pacquiao tonight, coming in at 150 while Pacquiao tips the unofficial scales at 148. Interesting. Marquez comes out first looking extremely confident and ready to rumble. Pacquiao comes out next to the sounds of “Eye of the Tiger”, just like he did against Mosley. He smiles and waves to the crowd.
ROUND 1 Both men come out jabbing cautiously. Pacquiao looks calm in there. Both men falling short with their punches. Pacquiao gets in a quick left. Marquez touches him to the body with a left hook. 1-2 to the body lands for Marquez. Not much of anything yet. Pacquiao gets in a left. Both men swing wildly and miss. Left hand lands for Pacquiao. 1-2 to the body lands for Marquez. Very close round. I give it to Pacquiao, but very close.
