Manila, Philippines - The smoke has cleared and the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy is done and over with. Or is it?
To this day, people still stand divided on the outcome of the said bout, something that has already been justified in a scientific way but unaccepted by people who believe otherwise.
Many say that Saranggani Congressman Pacquiao was not deserving of the win, booed and seemingly a recipient of backlashes that have somehow tarnished his credibility.
Known experts have shared their sentiments. They say that he has slowed down and that he was outboxed by the 38 year old Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez.
Some claim there is a mafia going on, others say that is bad for boxing. But is Pacquiao really guilty of anything?
After the statistics were released, some sanity may have come out of it all. Pacquiao’s crime may only be that he vowed to beat up Marquez which technically he did as we could see in Marquez’ battered face when the bell rang.
Everyone was looking for a knockout, or even perhaps just a knockdown. It never happened. From the looks of it, one knockdown may have changed how people saw it.
Pacquiao said it straight that people cannot expect him to dominate all the time. Actually he does have a point considering that not all boxers have their shining moments in the sport.
Just look at Mike Tyson and "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler for example. They had their ups and downs, plus losses too right?
MB Online asked some experts on their thoughts. First up was renowned Boxing Anchorman and sportscaster Noel Zarate:
“At first, I was shocked that Manny won coz I had it at 115-113 for JMM. But looking back, there were a few rounds (3, 6, 7, 8, 12) that could have been coinflips. Plus when the compubox results came in, it showed Pacquiao ahead” said Noel.
“Now I believe that Manny won but not by much--even Roach was not satisfied, even Arum hinted at a 4th fight because this was even more controversial than the previous 2. Now I think this even did more good for Marquez because many will now view him as a robbed victor” he added.
“I believe pagnahimasmasan yan paguwi, he'll see it in this light. For Pacquiao, this not so convincing showing may even make Mayweather believe that he can defeat Pacquiao. So instead of viewing this now as a botched job by the judges, it may even work out well for those involved.”
For Hardball sports talk show host and sports analyst Mr. Boyet Sison:
“Unfortunately, the result had a lot of us unconvinced with the win, and the drama continues. Marquez showed what a brilliant fighter he is, and Pacquiao, though he won, was not the same fighter we all love to watch. For national pride, i'm happy, but for the sport of boxing, I am not.”
Last is Mr. Butch Maniego, a long-time figure in sports:
“I felt that as the defender, Marquez has to beat the champion, Manny Pacquiao, convincingly. failing that, the champ should keep his title. yes, Marquez boxed very well but not well enough”
Let’s take a look at the other side of the fence. Did Marquez knock down Pacquiao? Yes he did leave a nasty cut to Pacquiao’s eye but look at him. Wasn’t he banged up as well?
Pacquiao may not be at his fastest in this fight, with this one to which his camp revealed that the Filipino boxer was suffering from cramps.
People say that is seems weird that Pacquiao was making excuses but he is still human after all. Give him the benefit of the doubt if his leg cramped up.
Was Marquez robbed of a victory? Well statistics don’t lie and looking at it from another angle, judges did not rely solely on sound judgment and what they saw. To that they should be commended.
Yet despite all these points here and there, many are still unconvinced that Pacquiao won the match was fair and square which may eventually lead to a Pacquiao-Marquez IV.
Will this happen? It all depends though. For one, Marquez said that he might retire, or not. Everthing is still up in the air.
If not, many feel that this could all the more lead to a much awaited Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. Filipinos are waiting for Floyd to say his piece on the fight and perhaps lay down the cards for a much wanted fight.
To date, Floyd Jr. has been strangely quiet.
Then there is Tim Bradley as well who bared that he deserves a shot at Pacquiao.
But as per Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum priority is to give Marquez another crack at Pacquiao, that is if he still wants one.
Marquez deserves respect for sure. He showed it. However, beating a champion like Pacquiao may take more than boxing him for 12 rounds.
He is the challenger but if he was able to knock down Pacquiao even just once, then perhaps the outcome may be something truly controversial.
How about a draw?
Perhaps. But with statistic on punches, jabs and powerpunches to rely on, there is no question how the three judges came up with the supposed “controversial” decision.
It was not a typical Pacquiao fight but regardless, he still came out the winner.
Questionable? Then before we go to Mayweather, give Marquez one more chance to show fans who the clear victor really is then move forward.
Source: mb.com.ph
