Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Ranking Most Important Victories in Each Fighter's Career

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"Pacquiao-Marquez, Round 4" provides a major opportunity for the two challengers to cement a legacy. In the previous three bouts, two decisions have gone to Manny Pacquiao, while the first was determined to be a draw. 

There is little question that if the 39-year old Juan Manuel Marquez were to take the upcoming fight between the two rivals on December 8, it would rank among the most crucial and illustrious victories of his career. 

It is also unquestioned that Pacquiao's two victories at the hands of Marquez rank high among the list of his 54 career victories. But where exactly do they rank? And what other victories capture a spot on the list for he and Marquez?

Pacquiao's 1st Victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, March 2008

The two face each other in March 2008.
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After squaring off to a draw in the first fight between the two in 2004, the second bout was much anticipated in March 2008. The rivals certainly did not disappoint. 

Many analysts saw this match as possibly being decided once again as a draw. Of course it was not. Pacquiao won in a split decision (112-115, 115-112, 114-113). 

For those scoring at home, that's just a seven-point difference. Boxing matches rarely are decided in such close manner, save for the occasional draw. 

Pacquiao was not yet 30 at the time and his victory over the veteran Marquez set the stage for even bigger things to come in his career. 

Pacuiao's 2nd Victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, November 2011

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Manny Pacquiao's first triumph over Juan Manuel Marquez was crucial to registering his name atop the list of top fighters of his generation. His second victory may have pushed him to the top of that list. 

Just as with his inaugural victory over Marquez, this one was not without question or controversy. But the victory counted all the same. 

His flight to the very top of the boxing world was cemented by this victory. 

Manny Pacquiao is now at the least the biggest name in boxing, if not the most successful, as a result of this victory. 

Juan Manuel Marquez over Serhiy Fedchenko, April 2012

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Winning by unanimous decision over Serhiy Fedchenko (118-110, 118-110, 119-109) while fighting at 140 lbs for the interim WBO light welterweight title was an incredible accomplishment for Juan Manuel Marquez. 

Few fighters have that sort of flexibility and dynamic abilities to move weight classes (he fought Pacquiao at a catchweight of 144 five months prior to that) and win unanimously. And it isn't as if Fedchenko is some slouch. 

Marquez's win in April may not be the greatest of his career, but it sure was impressive. 

Another Unanimous Win for Marquez, This Time over Juan Diaz, July 2010

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Marquez had another unanimous decision against a fine opponent (117-111, 116-112, 118-110). In fact, though unanimous, this match was about as close one could get. 

Diaz could have even won the match had he landed a punch here or swatted one away there. It really was that close in this one. 

To escape, Marquez was fortunate, and perhaps a tad bit lucky. 

Pacquiao over "Sugar" Shane Mosley in May 2011

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Though most analysts considered "Sugar" Shane Mosley overmatched and worn down, Manny Pacquiao's dominating victory over him was still notable. 

If nothing else, Mosley represented another milestone and barrier in the way of Pacquiao and his ascent to the very top of the boxing world. 

Defeating Mosley and Marquez within six months of one another did wonders for Pacquiao's reputation, even if it proved to be of little worth in terms of championship belts and honors. 

 

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