Boxing Fight of the Year with Manny Pacquiao vs Marquez

In most boxing rivalries, you usually have a clear idea by the end that which fighter is better, however, in some rare cases, we get to witness a clash between two incredible champions, that is so epic that even after four fights, you can't be certain who the better fighter is.

This is the case with the professional rivalry between Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao and Mexican warrior Juan Manuel Marquez. The story of Pacquiao and Marquez is one of grit, determination, and unrelenting passion, a tale of two fighters who have become symbols of excellence in the sport and will forever be remembered as two of the greatest boxers of all time.

Very Competitive and Entertaining Boxing Fights

All four fights between Pacquiao and Marquez were very competitive and entertaining, mainly because of their fighting style. Both Pacquiao and Marquez have aggressive fighting styles that complement each other very well.

On one side, you had Pacquiao, an aggressive southpaw boxer with a relentless pressure-fighting style. Pacquiao is known for his explosive combinations and devastating left hook, which has put out many formidable opponents.

On the other hand, Juan Manuel Marquez was an incredible counter-puncher with a brilliant defensive game and a granite chin. He encapsulated that Mexican fighting style and used destructive body shots to slow his opponents down.

The combination of Pacquiao's relentless aggression and Marquez's surgical counter-punching made for some of the most unforgettable battles in the history of boxing, which showcased a thrilling mix of skill, power, and heart.

The Controversial Draw

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez faced each other for the first time in May of 2004 when Pacquiao was a massive star and had already won world titles in three weight classes. He held the Ring Featherweight world title, and Marquez was defending his Unified WBA and IBF titles.

In their first meeting, Pacquiao had an incredible start, knocking Marquez down three times in the first round. However, Marquez survived the initial onslaught, and rallied in the following rounds, showcasing his technical brilliance and counter-punching ability.

The fight was ultimately declared a controversial draw, with Pacquiao's early knockdowns offset by Marquez's dominance in the later rounds.

Fans, especially of Marquez were outraged and claimed that Pacquiao had been given the decision because he was the more popular fighter.

The impact of the first fight on Pacquiao's career was mixed. While he had proved himself as a dynamic and powerful fighter, the draw left fans questioning his ability to go the distance against a more technical fighter.

For Marquez, the fight was a testament to his skill and heart, solidifying his status as one of the best boxers of his generation.

The Split Decision

About 4 years later, Pacquiao and Marquez met again, this time at Super Featherweight. Marquez held the WBC Super Featherweight title, which was on the line along with the Vacant The Ring Super Featherweight title, making for a high-stakes matchup.

The second fight was another very closely contested affair, with Pacquiao edging out a split decision victory. This time, Marquez was better prepared for Pacquiao's speed and power, and the fight was a showcase of their contrasting styles.

Marquez's technical brilliance was on full display, as he countered Pacquiao's attacks with precision and timing. Both fighters got cut, and landed a lot of shots, however, a third-round knockdown in the favor of Pacquiao got him the win.

The second fight solidified Pacquiao's status as a rising star in the boxing world. He had defeated a formidable opponent in Marquez and proved that he could adapt to different styles.

Moreover, he became the only Filipino fighter in the world to win world titles in 4 weight classes. For Marquez, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it only motivated him to come back stronger in their next meeting. He showcased exceptional technical skills and even was the winner according to one judge.

The Dramatic Majority Decision

The third fight happened in November of 2011, this time at welterweight, with Pacquiao defending the WBO Welterweight world title.

The third fight was perhaps the most dramatic of all, with Pacquiao dominating early on, only for Marquez to mount a fierce comeback in the latter half of the fight. In the end, Pacquiao won a majority decision, but many believed that Marquez deserved the victory. The fight showcased their incredible heart and determination, with each fighter refusing to give up until the final bell.

This fight brought a turning point in both fighters' careers. For Pacquiao, it was a testament to his resilience and ability to fight through adversity.

However, it also marked the beginning of his decline, as he suffered a series of losses in the coming years. For Marquez, the fight was a sign of his enduring greatness, as he continued to push himself to new heights.

The Knockout

The fourth and final fight between these two world champions was another instant classic. Both fighters exchanged knockdowns throughout the fight. In the end, it was Marquez who emerged victorious, landing a devastating right hand in the sixth round that sent Pacquiao crashing to the canvas.

The knockout was one of the most stunning moments in boxing history, cementing Marquez's legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.

The fourth fight was the end of an era for both fighters. For Pacquiao, it marked the end of his prime, as he struggled to regain his form in the years that followed. For Marquez, it was the perfect ending to a legendary career, as he retired shortly after the fight.

Boxing Fight of the Year with Manny Pacquiao vs Marquez Conclusion

The Manny Pacquiao vs Marquez rivalry was one for the ages. Their four fights showcased the best of both fighters and provided some of the most dramatic moments in boxing history.

Whether you were a fan of Pacquiao's power and speed or Marquez's technical brilliance and counter-punching ability, there was something for everyone in these fights.

Even today, years after their final meeting, the rivalry remains an enduring symbol of the beauty and excitement of the sport of boxing. No one can clearly say who was the better boxer, but one thing we can all agree on is that both Pacquiao and Marquez were incredible fighters.