Unfinished Business: Marquez-Pacquiao II

HOT DAMN!!!!!!

The time has almost finally arrived. Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao the rematch. In May 2004, Marquez and Pacquiao fought a hard fight to a draw. In this fight Marquez hit the canvas 3 times, all in the first round. Showing the heart of a champion, Marquez fought back and earned a hard fought draw. He earned a draw in a fight many thought he had lost based on the first round. A fight that many thought he actually came back and won. After this fight you knew there had to be a rematch right???? Well yes but for awhile we thought it would never come.

AFTER THE DRAW

This fight should have happened years ago but Marquez, who was offered $750,000 wanted, $1.5 million. Then Marquez sat idol for awhile and eventually went to Indonesia to fight Chris John for $30,000. Sad part of this story is Marquez lost his WBA Featherweight Title to Chris John in March 2006 and received only $30,000 in return. Yes, Marquez actually lost his title and $720,000. Marquez went on to fight a few less exciting fighters until he signed a deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Right away with this deal he fought Marco Antonio Barrera in March 2007 and won a UD and picked up the WBC Super Featherweight Title. For those who watched closely we knew the time was coming for this rematch.

After the draw, Manny Pacquiao went on to become probably the hottest boxer in the world. He beat Erik Morales by KO 2 out of 3 times and beat Marco Antonio Barrera by UD among other fights. Pacquiao has been in several movies in his hometown in the Philippines as well as recorded an album. Pacquiao has lived the dream of all boxers while Marquez struggled for awhile. But you know what the rematch has finally been made for March 15, 2008.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: PACQUIAO

Unfinished Business it is, after fighting to a draw. Both fighters have gotten older since their first fight. Marquez has proven that at 34 he still have a lot left along with his big heart. Pacquiao at 29 has proven he can live the rock star lifestyle and still win his fights no matter what people say. Pacquiao has improved tremendously since the first fight with Marquez. He has developed his fighting style into becoming a two hand fighter. Where in the first fight all of Pacquiao's power punches were thrown with his left hand, he has now added the right hand. Still a strong come forward type of fighter, Pacquiao has learned how to block more punches and still land his own. His power is still great and now it exists in both hands. Pacquiao is also very quick with strong legs and balance for a fighter who fights in a brawling style.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MARQUEZ

Marquez is still a strong puncher too. However as I have watched him in his fight with Barrera and his fight with Rocky Juarez, I have seen him get hit a little more than he needs to. This leads me to believe he has lost some of his quickness over the years. After watching his fight with Juarez I have also started to wonder if he still has the same power at Super Featherweight as he did at Featherweight. Marquez could not get Juarez out even after having him badly cut. It appeared he never really hurt Juarez. Now Marquez still is tough as hell and can take some shots. You cannot count him out just because of his age or what he did in his last fight. This fight with Pacquiao means the world to Marquez. Of the three lighter weight Mexican Legends, he is the only one Pacquiao has not KOd. Pacquiao has KOd both Morales and Barrera and Marquez wants to end that. Marquez is fighting for himself, his country, and for his pride. He is dangerous. Pacquiao is fighting to prove he should have won the first fight and to officially finish off the last of the Mexican legends in his generation.

#1POUND 4POUND'S OFFICIAL PICK

Here is my official pick, I believe Manny Pacquiao will win and either by late round stoppage (rounds 9-12) or by a UD. I think Pacquiao will be too much for Marquez in the speed and power areas. Plus now that Pacquiao is using both hands and has power in both hands I think he will be the stronger fighter. I believe Marquez will be game and will make a great fight. I even think he will hurt Pacquiao at least once in the fight, but I don't think he will be able to finish Pacquiao. The video I have seen of Pacquiao shows him to be in great shape and Freddie Roach has isolated Pacquiao to keep him from distractions. Although I have not seen Marquez spar or any video of him training, I think whatever he brings Pacquiao will still be too much. Pacquiao is at his peak and right now I just don't see him losing at this time. Time will tell if I am right.