Maybe two years too late, but nevertheless the much anticipated third bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao is finally here. After two thrilling fights, one ending with a draw and the second in a narrow decision victory for Manny Pacquaio. Although Pacquiao knocked down Marquez four times in two bouts, Marquez fought brilliantly countering the Manny left hand with straight right hands making the fights competitive bouts. Although I am not one of them, many feel Marquez was victorious in one of both of these fights with his excellent counter punching.
Since losing to Erik Morales in 2005, Manny Pacquiao has been the king of boxing, winning 14 straight bouts including winning a historic title in 8 weight classes. After dismantling Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley among others, Pacquiao became the pound for pound king. While Marquez has enjoyed success since then with wins of Juan Diaz, Joel Casamayor and Michael Katsidis, he is no doubt the overlooked fighter of this generation of small man fighters. Fighting in the shadows of Barrera and Morales for years he finally shined late in his career with his great performances against Pacquaio and got the credit he deserved. With his win over Marco Antonio Barrera in 2007, Marquez overtook his Mexican counterparts as the king of the Mexican small man fighters. However true pound for pound stardom has eluded him. With losses to Mayweather and Manny he has yet to crack the pound for pound ranks.
In many ways this fight is coming after its peak. Marquez and Pacquiao have gotten in separate directions since their epic second bout with Manny the superstar and Marquez the underdog warrior. At last Marquez can prove he was the better fighter and remains so, while Pacquiao can solidify his status as the pound for pound king.