Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3: Why Dinamita Doesn't Stand a Chance Against Pac-Man

When Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao square off in the ring this evening, Marquez stands little chance against "Pac-Man," the victor of the last head-to-head bout between these two rivals.

Pacquiao will be going in as the 7-1 favorite, and rightly so since he has yet to lose to Marquez in his career.

In 2004, the bout went 12 rounds, but was declared too close to call and ended in a draw.

It was a different result in 2008 when Pacquiao barely ousted Marquez in a 115-112, 115-112, 113-114 nail-biter, which left Marquez visibly upset and calling for a rematch immediately after the bout.

Marquez has made it clear what his strategy will be when he takes on Pacquiao this time around at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

He has bulked up from 133 pounds for the 144-pound fight in an attempt to knock out Pacquiao, who has knocked him down four times in the two previous bouts.

However, Marquez's improved power won't be enough to overcome Pacquiao and his improved punching skills.

Pacquiao has vastly improved his punching ability since the last time they faced off three years ago.  This will be beneficial to Pacquiao in combating Marquez's attempt to overpower him.

As Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer for the bout, said, “He’s bigger, bulked-up, and slower. When Manny puts him down this time, I don’t think he’s going to be able to get up from the way this Manny Pacquiao punches.’’

Marquez will fall to Pacquiao because he decided to deviate away from his strengths—speed and counter-punching ability.

And even if Marquez's strategy is to still utilize his counter-punching ability, Pacquiao has a few tricks up his sleeve as well.

Since the last time they squared off, Pacquiao has learned how to combat a counter-puncher. He's also improved the power of his right hand, which should come in handy when trying to wear out the stronger Marquez.

As Pacquiao stated, “The last two fights helped me a lot.’’

“I learned a lot, especially fighting a counter-puncher, a boxer.  I’m more experienced now and I’m a much better fighter, too."

Whether or not the two have a grudge against the other, this fight will surely supply the fireworks that everyone is hoping for.