Opinion: Pacquiao-Marquez IV frustrating, but fan-friendly

Carlos Cinco

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Fans may be tired of seeing Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez in the ring, but the two have always delivered an action-packed fight

SINGAPORE – Either Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38KO) is due for a much anticipated knockout win against perennial rival Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez (54-6-1, 39KO), or he’s due for a long-awaited loss to the Mexican dynamo.

One thing’s for sure though, something’s got to give when the pair steps inside the ring for a 4th classic on December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marquez has been a thorn on Pacquiao’s side since they first traded leather back in 2004, and has consistently been perceived as Pacquiao’s kryptonite with each passing fight. There’s just something about Marquez’s counterpunching style that gives Pacquiao fits, which renders Pacquiao unable to establish his dominance like he’s able to do with other fighters.

And for us fans, it’s frustrating to watch when the side you’re cheering for just can’t seem to get off.

It also doesn’t help much that Pacquiao is in an obvious physical decline. He’s failed to impress in his last few outings, which includes a lackluster performance and a shocking defeat to Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley back in June.

Fans can recall the absence of firepower and the lack of focus in Pacquiao. Indeed with him, it’s a mental thing as much as it is a physical thing – which does not bode well going into the 4th Marquez fight because Dinamita is arguably one of the smartest fighters in boxing history.

Makes financial sense

The thought of Marquez finally defeating Pacquiao has always lingered, and with the 4th fight set to take place, it’s as if Marquez is being given another chance to beat Pacquiao at last and not the other way around.

Fans can’t be too happy with Team Pacquiao’s decision to choose Marquez over Bradley but with Bob Arum involved, you know that somehow it’s just all about the Benjamins. Marquez is a far better choice as a blockbuster Pay-Per-View opponent for Pacquiao than is Bradley, due to the large contingent of Mexican boxing fans Marquez brings with him everytime he fights. Bradley just doesn’t have the same following.

From a pure boxing standpoint, this fight promises to be as exciting, and as controversial as the first 3 fights — and if you’re one who loves the technical aspect of the sport as much as the violent nature of it, then you can definitely get pumped up for Pacquiao-Marquez IV.

Pacquiao fans can only hope that their hero has finally figured out how to beat Marquez convincingly. A loss to the Mexican will spell doom for a potential Pacquiao-Mayweather fight being groomed for the Spring of 2013.

Pacquiao can’t lose

Setting aside everything else however, Pacquiao-Marquez IV promises to be an action-packed tussle between two evenly matched boxing icons and two of the greatest warriors the sport has ever known.

Every iteration, including presumably this 4th bout, is a replica of the original and that’s never a bad thing. All Pacquiao-Marquez fights have generally proven to be fan-friendly matchups.

Pacquiao cannot afford a loss to Marquez though, or it could mean the end of the line for his boxing stint. He has to go back to his rapid-punching roots and relentless pressure fighting style if he hopes to upstage Marquez at this point in his career. Matters were supposed to have been settled with Pacquiao-Marquez III, yet here we are again, looking eagerly upon another classic matchup between the two superstars.

If Pacquiao wants to finally score that elusive knockout, he’ll have to keep 100% focus on training and keep all external distractions on the sidelines for this one. Pacquiao can’t have another lackadaisical performance. Maybe a purposed 8-week training camp at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, instead of a routine Baguio camp will do him good — which is exactly what Roach suggests for this fight.

Nevertheless, the outcome of this fight rests squarely on Pacquiao’s shoulders, as does the fate of his legendary boxing career.

Time to get training camp started — it’s back to work for the Pacman. – Rappler.com

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