The fight split the judges, ringside observers and crowds of furious fans in the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena. Empty bottles rained down on the press ranks from disgusted Marquez fans when the 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 judges? scores were read out, the last two in favour of Pacquiao.
Pacquiao?s ringside interview with host broadcasters Home Box Office could not be heard above the din of catcalls and booing.
Your correspondent scored it a draw, with Pacquiao having needed to win the last three rounds to do so. By then, Marquez, the brave Mexican warrior, was tiring. Pacquiao came into his own, but only when it became a rough and tumble fight did the Filipino enjoy any kind of ascendancy.
In what transpired to be a confusing fight from Pacquiao, who seemed stuck between trying to be a boxing counter-puncher and his old, wild self, Marquez boxed skillfully and cleverly, dominating the middle rounds of the WBO welterweight title contest.
The contest was set fare after one former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson rang the bell for the passing of one of the greats, heavyweight champion Smokin? Joe Frazier.
