Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Why Winning Would Make Juan Marquez Next Big Star

Almost as much as riches, validation is what most athletes covet. Juan Manuel Marquez should be no different; beating Manny Pacquiao would make him relevant and bring some surface credence to their trilogy.

As of now, Marquez is just the guy that gave Manny Pacquiao two very tough fights. He is also the guy that was smoked by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. when he last showed his face over 140 lbs.

Beating Pacquiao would put him in the conversation among the best fighters in the world. As of now, he is a stepping stone and pacifier for Pacquiao as well as boxing fans.

The boxing world wants to see the Pacquiao-Mayweather Superfight. Furthermore, some are irritated at the notion of paying for another pay-per-view that pits two fighters not named Manny and Floyd against each other.

Fight fans have been duped into purchases of Bernard Hopkins vs. Chad Dawson, and Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz. Pacquiao and Marquez are almost sure to put on a better show than the last two pay-per-views.

Winning this fight would make boxing a three-name sport. Right now, it's Mayweather, Pacquiao and then everybody else. If Marquez brings the series even, it would warrant a fourth fight. That fight would surely bring about a bigger payday and certainly be the biggest of Marquez's career.

While it would diminish Mayweather's big money and immediate prospects for Amir Khan, it would launch Marquez to a place he's never been before.