Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez: How Would Win Impact Marquez's Rank?

This Saturday marks the highly anticipated third battle between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, and while many people are picking Pacquiao to win, if Marquez pulls the upset it will greatly help his status in the boxing world. 

In their first fight, the match lasted 12 rounds and ended in a draw. The second time these two fought, in 2008, Pacquiao won the match in a split decision. 

Leading up to Saturday's fight, the majority of people are picking Pacquiao to cruise to a victory, and some even think it will end in a knockout. 

Age is a definite reason as to why most people think that, as Marquez is now 38. 

However, he has a lot of heart and knows what it takes to stand in the ring with Pacquiao for 12 rounds. 

Since Marquez has the knowledge of how to fight Pacquiao, it's going to be a close fight from the start. Neither boxer can afford to make mistakes, and if they do they will certainly pay the price. 

I believe that Pacquiao will win in a knockout, but what if that doesn't happen? What if Pacquiao slips and Marquez steals his thunder? 

We could play the what-if game all night long, but the reality of it is that Marquez knows he can win. Should that happen, Marquez will take a nice leap up in the rankings. 

Marquez feels he should have and did win the first two fights, which is another reason why this third battle has people so excited. 

Marquez's loss to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in 2009 didn't help his standing in the boxing rankings, but it's not like he is a scrub.

At 53-5-1 with 39 victories coming by way of a knockout, Marquez is up there in terms of of the best active boxers. 

He still needs that marquee victory to solidify himself as an elite boxer. 

Fighting at welterweight for the second time, Marquez will be heavily praised if he can beat Pacquiao on Saturday.

The last time he fought at welterweight was against Mayweather, which ended in lopsided victory for "Pretty Boy Floyd."

If Marquez doesn't win on Saturday, it's difficult to say if he will ever fight again. I think he will try and end his career on a win, but it won't be over a big-name fighter.

This is Marquez's last chance to beat Pacquiao, and if it happens, his status in the boxing world would greatly increase.

But should he fall, Marquez will become just another boxer with a great record who could never win a big fight.