Unlike Floyd Maywether Jr., long-time Manny Pacquiao “stalker” Juan Manuel Marquez is known for his warrior mentality and willingness to fight the best. He wants another shot at Pacquiao for a catchweight of 143 lbs. or 144 lbs., although he still need to dispatch Michael Katsidis in November 27th, while Pacquiao is set to face another great but controversial Mexican Antonio Margarito in search for an eight division crown.
No one questions Marquez ability and bravery as he gave Pacquiao all he could handle in their 24 rounds of battle. He was knocked down by Manny Pacquiao three times in the first round of their first match, but refused to surrender and hanged on until the match ended with a draw. On their rematch, Marquez kissed the canvass again in round three. He got up, pursued the fight and had the fight of his life until the bell sounded and the jury decided to give Pacquiao a split decision victory.
Marquez cannot accept the jury’s verdict insisting that he should have won in the rematch. From then on, the boxing careers of Marquez and Pacquiao never crossed path. At that point, Marquez’s boxing career floundered. Pacquiao increased his weight to fight DavidDiaz (lightweight), Oscar De La Hoya (welterweight), Ricky Hatton (junior welterweight), Miguel Cotto (welterweight), and Joshua Clottey (welterweight) all of whom are bigger than Manny and yet with the exception of Clottey, who didn't do anything but hide in his shell like a turtle, all of them never had the chance to hear the sound of the bell on the final round.
On the other hand, Marquez ,3-1 in his last four fights, defeated the ugly and vain Cuban Joel Casamayor by knockout and Juan Diaz of the Lightweight division via a knockout and decision, while suffering an embarrassing loss to Floyd Mayweather, who cheated by coming two pounds over the agreed upon weight during the weigh-in in their non title welterweight bout.
Now, my belief is that Marquez needs not to play the brave one to fight Manny Pacquiao. Their boxing careers are now a world apart. Yes, I admire Marquez bravery and tenacity to make a point against Pacquiao, but it is no longer prudent to pursue that point because at this time his bravery will be no match to Pacquiao assuming that the latter will magnanimously face him to revive Marquez’s moribund career.
Pacquiao’s boxing style is so different now compared to when he fought Marquez. Stronger and heavier, but the speed and agility remains as evidenced by the that fact that he beat larger opponents. Marquez is already old and his agility suspect. It is not even sure if he can still beat the younger Michael Katsidis.
Here’s some of comments from various boxing fans:
Jose Rey Madrilejos,Tabaco City, Philippines: “My sincere advise to Marquez, forget Manny Pacquiao. I salute your bravery but have pity on yourself and your family. You may earn big bucks if you fight Manny but that earnings may not be sufficient to answer for your medical expenses once Pacquiao beat you to the pulps”
Nelson Del Socorro, Sr., Sorsogon City, Philippines: "Marquez should beat Katsidis then go home and sleep with his family. He should not let Manny Pacquiao to be the one to make him sleep,or he may never wake up at all."
Gabby de la Paz, Antipolo City, Philippines: "How many more knockdowns Marquez need to make him realize that Pacquiao dominated him in both their fights?"
Ronnie Ninofranco, Los Angeles, CA: "If Marquez wants to fight Pacquiao again, he must move up to welterweight without catchweight. Marquez has no right to dictate Manny to go down in a catchweight of 143 or 144.. Pacman is the Pound for Pound King. Marquez should forget Pacquiao. The world already knows that Marquez’ bravery is beyond doubt unlike Mayweather whose bravery or cowardice is still in question. I also wish for Marquez’s success in his fight against Katsidis. Win or lose, Marquez should already retire and not be a party pooper and spoilsport to the upcoming Pacquiao vs. Margarito fight "
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