Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Why Pac-Man Must Not Allow Fight to Go to Scorecards

When Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao defends his WBO welterweight championship against "Dinamita" Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12, it will be the third meeting between the two accomplished fighters. If history has taught us anything, it's that it is best if Pacquiao and Marquez settle it themselves.

When Pacquiao and Marquez first fought in 2004, they went the distance in a fight that was scored a draw. The decision could probably have gone either way, but since the two men were so evenly matched, a draw was likely the right decision.

The disparity between the fighters didn't get any greater when they locked horns again in 2008. That being said, Pacquiao came out on top by split decision.

The result was extremely controversial. Statistically, Marquez was superior in the fight, but a third-round knock down of Marquez may have ultimately been the difference.

In a bout that is meant to validate Pacquiao's legacy as much as anything, both men will now face off for a third and likely final time.

Pacquiao is the overwhelming favorite and rightfully so. He is considered by most to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but he will have to assert his dominance or else risk losing much of his credibility and a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather.

Marquez isn't going to overpower many fighters at this point in his career, but he is extremely savvy and calculated in what he does in the ring. The Mexican isn't going to be surprised by too many things. What's more, it's clear he can withstand a flurry of punches, seeing as he has never been knocked out in 59 professional matches.

Although Pacquiao certainly has the ability to outbox Marquez for 12 rounds and take him the distance, I don't think such a strategy would be advisable. Pacquiao has already played with fire twice against Marquez and was lucky that neither decision went against him.

If Pacquiao is smart, he won't leave the decision in the judges' hands for a third time. A loss would be absolutely crippling to Pacquiao. His billing as the best in the world would be rendered moot. He needs to score a convincing win over Marquez in order prove that he is the best, and a knockout would be his best avenue.

It won't be easy, but Pacquiao has knocked Marquez down before. It isn't impossible. This isn't the same Marquez that he faced even three years ago, and that is something Pacquiao needs to exploit. In order to remove all doubt regarding who is the superior fighter, Pacquiao needs a knockout.