Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3: Controversial Ending Makes Fourth Fight a Must

There were high expectations for the third installment of Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, and many thought it would be the end, but a questionable decision has paved the way for a fourth fight in one of boxing's great rivalries. 

The first time these two fought was in 2004, and it ended in a controversial draw. The second time was in 2008, and Pacquiao won by a split decision.

Last Saturday, November 12, was round three, and people are outraged with how it went down. 

Marquez, a huge underdog, was in the fight the whole time, and his corner told him he was ahead in the 12th round, which is why he let up. 

Pacquiao delivered a strong final push at the end to win by a majority decision.

Once again, Marquez left feeling like he had beaten Pacquiao, but the scorecard says different. This was a victory Marquez desperately needed for his career, which is why he should definitely welcome a fourth match. 

It's understandable if he didn't because of how it's always ended, but in order to be considered one of the greats during his generation, Marquez must beat Pacquiao. 

I still think that a Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. needs to be Pac-Man's next fight, but it looks as though instead it will be the fourth time Marquez and Pacquiao go head-to-head. 

That certainly isn't a bad thing, because the rivalry between Pacquiao and Marquez needs closure. 

Boxing fans would prefer a Pac-Man vs. Pretty Boy Floyd fight, as it's been the most anticipated fight of the century, but it may never happen. 

According to Dan Rafael of ESPN, boxing promoter Bob Arum told him Marquez is up next, saying, "We are pursuing a fourth fight with Marquez. As far as doing anything definitively, we aren't ready to do anything definitively. When we are ready to make a determination of what we are going to do, we will do it."

Marquez was stating before the third fight that he has beaten Pacquiao twice, and after what happened last Saturday, he'll likely be saying he's beaten Pacquiao three times, despite the scorecard. 

Fans would be so much more amped for a Pacquiao vs. Mayweather fight than a fourth fight between Marquez and Pacquiao.

They've been anxiously waiting for that for years, and having just watched Pacquiao and Marquez go at it, a fourth fight wouldn't be anywhere near as appealing.

Still, though, it needs to happen, which is why Pacquiao and his team have a lot to think about. Either way, they will make a good deal of money. 

Every sport needs a great rivalry, and Pacquiao and Marquez is one of the better ones boxing has seen. 

A fourth fight is needed because of the controversial ending, but who knows if it will ever happen.

If it doesn't, then the rivalry will have ended on bad terms, and both parties should forever have sour taste for not finishing it the right way.