Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3: Why Age Will Doom Saturday's Superfight

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez are just days away from locking horns in the biggest fight of the year. These two have a lot to live up to considering how great their first two fights were, but there is one big factor working against the third fight between these two world-class boxers: age. 

Pacquiao has looked invincible in the boxing ring for the last six years, but the fact of the matter is, at nearly 33 years of age and half of them spent in this sport, his body is going to break down sooner rather than later. 

Marquez is 38 and has already lost a step or two from where he was in his prime. He is still a good fighter capable of beating quality competition, but he is not in the upper echelon of fighters anymore. This is his last chance to prove himself. 

In boxing, there are only so many punches that a fighter can throw before his body gives out on him. There are only so many punches that a fighter can take before his chin gives out on him. We see it happen all the time with older fighters who still think they have something left in the tank. 

In traditional sports, like football or baseball, your peak years are going to be between the ages of 27-32. Keep in mind those sports don't require you to get punched in the face 100-200 times every time that you step on the field. 

Plus, the fact that Pacquiao and Marquez started boxing at such young ages means that their decline years are going to arrive sooner than you might think. 

Marquez is already in decline, it is obvious to anyone who has watched him fight in the last three years. He does not have the same power he once did, he has lost a step and he can't avoid incoming punches the way he once did. 

Pacquiao is still a dangerous fighter and can knock anyone out, but his last fight against Shane Mosley was not his best showing. Part of that is because Mosley wanted nothing to do with him. But part of it could also be a sign that his speed is not where it used to be. 

These two genuinely dislike each other, so hopefully they can put on a good show for the fans in attendance and watching on pay-per-view. But, considering that both are on the wrong side of 30, and in Marquez's case closer to 40, it is hard to expect that.