I know it is an irony, but the best boxing bout almost always has a no clear winner. And if there?s one, count on it: it?s the fans.
The third installment of Pacquiao vs. Marquez, saw the evolution of two great fighters: Marquez bulking up, courtesy of Memo Heredia, his PED-renowned conditioning consultant; and Pacquiao, showcasing his boxing skills, the Manila ice right hook and greatly improved defense. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao?s world class coach, who by the way was mentored by Eddie Futch (Smokin? Joe Fraser?s coach, RIP 2011) wanted an exclamation mark on the trilogy. He loved Marquez?s body contour and surmised that him bulking up means he trading with Pacquiao punch-for-punch at the centre of the ring. However, it turned out that Marquez?s strategy is all the same, and for good reason: to counter-punch Pacquiao.
The hulking Marquez did not want to mix it up, but to pick a spot where he could counter Pacquiao. He did counter Pacquiao well. He landed the cleaner shots for the audience to appreciate while Pacquiao was workmanlike in his attack: short right hooks, left straight, even a left uppercut. Pacquiao has landed an average of 14 punches per round, including the power punch; Marquez landed 11. The difference of 3 was what the judges saw, including Pacquiao?s aggression and willingness to mix it up. Bear in mind too that Pacquiao does not throw ?pillow punches?, but punches that intend to discombobulate the opponent.
