One Point for Pacman

Pacman won in the slightest of margins--one point. Mexican fighter Juan Marquez performed very well against our Southpaw. He went to the canvas, right, but this Mexican came back. Not for money. Not for power. But for his nation's pride. Sadly, the judges saw it differently.

Had Marquez been slightly younger, he could have boxed Pacman out. I mean, Marquez is pretty strong. Even our Southpaw admitted it. Pacman, I think, prevailed because he's younger and more popular than Marquez. I likened Marquez to the great Marvin Haggler, who dominated the welterweight division during his prime. He's a no-nonsense guy, just like Marquez. No frills, just doing the thing he likes most--punishing his opponents.

I would love seeing a Marquez-Pacquiao III. That would be the ultimate slugfest. Yesterday's match was a classic case of methodological boxing. Pacman's camp knows that should Marquez slug it out with Pacman, their boy would fall. Marquez' punch is quite strong. However, I think Pacman has developed his new defensive arsenals which made him now a compleat boxer (not complete but a sophisticated one). When interviewed, Pacquiao said that he might move up to the 135 weight division.

I suggest to Pacman that before doing so, he must do a rematch with Marquez. Not for money. Not for power nor even the title. But for his nation's pride. Because, most of us who watched the fight is not convinced of his win. Did I see Garci among the throng, near the judges seats?