Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Why Early Rounds Are Key for a Pacquaio Victory

Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters of all time. There’s really no way around that and not even a loss to Juan Manuel Marquez would change that.

But there is something Pacquiao does not do very well, and that’s end his fights before the judges get their say.

Pacquiao is at a size disadvantage against nearly anyone he faces. He’s a great fighter when he gets a lead, but his size makes it very hard for him to force his way in, knock his opponent out, or even turn the points battle around.

But that logic applies in nearly all fights outside of the Heavyweight Division. What makes Pacquiao’s situation with Marquez so unique?

Let’s take a look at something unique to Pacquiao. Actually, it’s unique to Pacquiao vs. Marquez.

Pacquiao and Marquez have put on two great fights. The first one resulted in a draw, the second in a split decision victory for Pacquiao. Both fights could have gone either way.

An early lead for Pacquiao puts something in his head. He’ll know from an early point that he is the better fighter, that the two fights of the past don’t indicate that Marquez is really his equal.

It would also put Marquez in a tough spot, one in which he’s forced to look for the knockout, or at least middle- or late-round domination.

Can Marquez do that? Yes, he certainly can. But given Pacquiao’s history and undeniable prowess as a fighter, I don’t like Marquez’s chances of coming back against him.

The early rounds will go a long way in setting up the rest of the fight. A comeback or a knockout is a really tall order for either of these two great fighters.

If Pacquiao jumps out to an early lead, he’ll spend the rest of the fight hanging back, playing defense, and picking his spots. You may want to bet against Pacquiao in that spot, but it would not be advisable.

If Pacquiao gets that early lead, he will cruise to a victory and we can get a head start at looking towards his next opponent. Floyd Mayweather, anyone?