Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Márquez I - Highlights (Birth of A Rivalry)
  • 5 years ago
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May 8th, 2004. On this day, one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history began; when Filipino superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao puts his The Ring Featherweight Crown on the line against one of Mexico’s finest in Juan Manuel Marquez, aka “Dinamita” who looks to retain his IBF & WBA Featherweight Titles.

Prefight records; Pacquiao 38(29)-2-1, Marquez 42(33)-2.

This fight was the 1st of their 4 explosive and memorable bouts that spanned 8 years (2004 to 2012) across 3 different weight divisions; Featherweight, Super Featherweight & Welterweight.

Going into the fight, Pacquiao had notable victories over Chatchai Sasakul, Jorge Eliecer Julio, Lehlo Ledwaba & Marco Antonio Barrera. On the other hand, Marquez held meaningful wins over opponents such as Alfred Kotey, Agapito Sanchez, Daniel Jimenez, Manuel Medina, Robbie Peden & Derrick Gainer.

In the 1st round, Pacquiao stunningly knocked Marquez down 3 times; all with his vaunted left hand. Despite Pacquiao scoring 3 consecutive knockdowns, Joe Cortez elected to let the fight continue. Thus, the birth of one of boxing’s greatest rivalries of all time.

From the 2nd round onwards, both fighters would engaged in an all out war but the more experienced Marquez was able to figure out Pacquiao’s straightforward strategy; largely relying on his left hand and constant lunging into his counter punching range. Thus, Marquez after overcoming an early thunder was able to dictate the fight and arguably won the majority of the remaining 11 rounds.

The verdict was a disputed 3 way draw by the judges;

1) John Stewart 115-110 (Pacquiao)
2) Guy Jutras 115-110 (Marquez)
3) Burt A. Clements 113-113 (Draw)

While some have no issues with the outcome, opinions were split as to who was the deserving winner; some argued that Pacquiao’s strong early lead was enough to earn him the nod despite losing more rounds later on, while some opined that Marquez won enough rounds to overcome Pacquiao’s strong early lead to earn the decision.

Interestingly, Burt A. Clements scored the 1st round 10-7 for Pacquiao by mistake instead of 10-6 due to Pacquiao flooring Marquez thrice. A mistake which Clements admitted to later on, and had he scored it accordingly Pacquiao would have been the winner by SD.

4 years later, both fighters clashed in a highly anticipated rematch aptly billed as "Unfinished Business" in another amazing battle that lived up to expectations. Only this time, a winner was crowned via a very close and one again, debatable decision.

Hope you guys enjoy it!
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