Manny Pacquiao: Is Pacquiao no longer Pacquiao? Some will argue that the Filipino star did enough to eke out a victory over rival Juan Manual Marquez on Saturday night in Las Vegas. No one can argue that this was the Pacquiao who has captivated the boxing world the past several years. He looked lost much of the fight, struggling to land clean punches against an opponent deemed too old and too slow for him. He fought aggressively but didn?t seem to have the fire for which he is known. He didn?t look like the best fighter in the world. Of course, much of this can be attributed to Marquez. The Mexican obviously has a style (and the guile) that confounds Pacquiao regardless of any deficiencies he might have. And there?s no shame in losing to a truly great fighter. Still, it was strange ? even disappointing ? to witness a less-than-spectacular performance from Pacquiao. Turns out he?s human after all. MOST UNFORTUNATE
Juan Manuel Marquez: Put yourself in Marquez?s shoes. You and countless others are certain you beat your rival three times ? the third time when he?s the No. 1 fighter in the world ? and you emerge 0-2-1 against him. Not even boxing is supposed to be so cruel. Marquez gave a splendid performance even if you?re OK with the judges? decision. He moved better at 142 pounds than he did against Floyd Mayweather Jr., evidence of smarter preparation. And he fought his fight, that of a counterpuncher. He waited for Pacquiao to come to him and the winner obliged, which is why the fight was so competitive. Marquez didn?t win on the cards but proved again that he?s one of the best fighters of his time. He did three times what fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto couldn?t do once, look Pacquiao in the eyes and give as good as he took.
