Pacquiao vs. Marquez: 5th Installment Would Be Welcomed Addition to Rivalry

Four fights and I'm ready for more. Bring on Pacquiao vs. Marquez five.

Now, I have to be honest. When the fourth installment of this rivalry was announced, I rolled my eyes and scoffed at the idea of these two stepping in the ring again just a little over a year since they had last met.

I wondered what was the point. We had seen enough of these two matched up together that there just seemed to be little to look forward to.

Well, it turns out that we should have known what to expect: a great fight.

I warmed up to this fight as it approached. Initially, I think I suffered from bitterness over the lack of a Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather, but the lack of that fight can't take away from the greatness that happens when these two meet.

Their skills and styles dictate that these fights are going to be great.

For starters, both boxers are supremely talented. They are unquestionably two of the most talented fighters of their generation.

Secondly, both of these guys are all heart. There is no questioning the desire, toughness or tenacity of either fighter. They are going to go as hard as they can for as long as their body allows.

Most importantly though, this is the classic matchup of styles with the hard-charging and punching Pacquiao against the counter-punching genius of Marquez.

This means Pacquiao is going to come right at Marquez, and Marquez is going to let him.  

That leads to flurries of blissful boxing action.

The fifth and sixth rounds of this last matchup were as good as boxing has seen in years, and the whole fight was excellent. Both men were going for the big blow to give this rivalry the knockout it had yet to find.

That attitude wouldn't be any different if they met again. Marquez is going to want to prove that his win was more than just one lucky punch, and Pacquiao would be battling to help save his elite legacy and prove that Marquez does not have his number.

Sure, I'd rather see Mayweather and Pacquiao fight, but next to that, there is not another matchup in boxing that I'd be more excited to see than Pacquiao-Marquez five.