Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez: Fourth Fight Would Be Pointless

Manny Pacquiao needed all 12 rounds to out-duel Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time in as many fights Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Although the fight was an epic one that highlighted how great boxing can be and why it's often more captivating than mixed martial arts, a fourth bout between the two welterweights would be absolutely pointless.

As long as Pacquiao is the champion, Marquez will practically have to knock him to the mat in order to win.

Not to say the judges are corrupt, but they certainly aren't objective. After all, they know what's at stake for boxing if Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. meet next May.

Giving Marquez a decision win over Pacquiao would let virtually all of the hot air out of the super-fight balloon, and money would be lost.

Marquez certainly deserves a fourth shot at Pacquiao's title, but in the end the result is too predictable.

Both fighters have bright moments and look like champions, but the champion, Pacquiao wins a close decision because he's, well, the champ.

Marquez isn't good enough at age 38 to convincingly defeat Manny Pacquiao in his prime, bottom line.

As long as Pacquiao goes toe-to-toe with him for all 12 rounds and lands some of his powerful punches, he'll be there at the end to win another judges decision.

Sure the fight would entertain, but the outcome would never be in doubt.

If Pacquiao is standing at the final bell, then Marquez has lost once again.