Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Third Fight Won't Live Up to Lofty Expectations

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez know each other so well it's scary. That's why the third fight between these two is one of the most anticipated of the year. Unfortunately, the expectations won't be able to match the hype. 

The first time that Pacquiao and Marquez fought was in 2004. It was a terrific back and forth bout, and Pacquiao actually knocked him down three times in the first round, but Marquez was able to hold on and battled back to force a draw from the judges. 

The result was controversial, with both men claiming that they had a right to victory. One of the judges later claimed that he made a scoring error and Pacquiao should have won a split decision. 

The second time they locked horns was in 2008. This time it was Pacquiao who earned a split decision victory, but Marquez actually landed more punches and was more precise with his striking. 

Throwing fuel on top of the fire is the fact that Marquez keeps telling the world that he should have won those first two fights and this third match is a long time coming.

“That’s why I want the third fight,” Marquez said in an interview with the Las Vegas Sun. “I thought I won the first fight and the second one as well—clearly.” 

But with so much history, so much anticipation and so many expectations for these two men to live up to, it is going to be impossible for them to leave the fans satisfied and smiling. 

The three-and-a-half-year gap between fights is an eternity in boxing. Neither Pacquiao nor Marquez are as physically gifted now as they were then. Their speed and power has diminished, even if it is not noticeable to the casual eye. 

Pacquiao should win because he is the better overall fighter, but his last fight was a huge disappointment. Part of that is because Shane Mosley wanted nothing to do with him, but if Pacquiao is as fast as everyone believes he is, he should have been able to do more against a fighter past his prime. 

Fans should enjoy the spectacle of the event, but don't go in anticipating another classic battle between Pacquiao and Marquez.