Pacquiao-Marquez: still unfinished business?
Pacquiao-Marquez: still unfinished business?
March 16, 2008 would certainly go down into boxing history as one of the most memorable, especially here in the Philippines. Cebuanos have flocked together in different venues to see the anticipated fight, be it at SM City Cebu, Royal Concourse, El Kudeta, Badgers, among others. Moreover, it was another day that made most parts of Cebu a “ghost town”, which is becoming a popular term here whenever there is a scheduled fight for Manny Pacquiao.
Months before the fight, millions of Filipinos have been anticipating another impressive win to be served on a silver platter by Pacquiao. Headlines, newspapers, blogs and message boards have taken their pick to whoever wins the fight. Some Cebuanos, on the other hand, has taken into the consideration of an upset by Marquez and to deliver that dagger into the Filipinos’ hearts. I, myself, was confident that Pacquiao will pull it off in another spectacular finish. That feeling switched to a “bad feeling” when the telecast showed that Pacquiao is 15 pounds heavier over the 130-pound limit after the weigh-in, while Marquez was already at 135-137 (I could not remember actually). This proved to be a huge disadvantage that affected his speed and the needed balance to fight effectively, but he was able to carry on it with a big left to Maquez’s cheek that sent the Mexican to the canvas. The audience roared like thunder in what could have been splendid finish. However, similar to their first fight four years ago, Marquez got up and continued to pursue the chance to turn the tables around in his favor. Since then, Marquez clobbered, countered and fought toe-to-toe with the “The Destroyer” up to the 10th, then 11th then the last round.
The scorecards, 115-112 apiece for Pacquiao and Marquez. And the most memorable numbers that broke the anticipation of the audience, 114-113, in favor of Pacquiao.
On that moment, I was astounded by the decision. Honestly, it was more like a relief and in my mind; I know Marquez could have pulled it off. The 3rd round knockout proved to be the main reason why Pacquiao won, or more of like “escaped” along with the two new belts (WBC and Ring Magazine).
Sure, most of us may have scratched our heads in disbelief but that win is a win. And I’ll take it any day. However, we cannot deny the fact that the “unfinished business” is finally finished because it did not prove to be the end, instead, it made us all crave for more in what could turn out to be another 12 rounds of pure boxing action.
So, Pacquiao-Marquez III anyone?
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