Pacquiao Vs Marquez: A Look Back At Their Epic Battles

The rivalry between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the most talked-about and controversial in boxing history. Spanning four incredible fights, each bout was filled with drama, skill, and intense action, leaving fans debating the outcomes for years. Let's dive into each of these epic clashes and relive the moments that defined this legendary rivalry.

The First Encounter: Pacquiao vs. Marquez I (2004)

The first fight between Pacquiao and Marquez took place on May 8, 2004, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This fight was for Marquez's WBA and IBF Featherweight titles. Right from the opening bell, the fight exploded with action. Pacquiao came out aggressively, knocking Marquez down three times in the very first round. It looked like it was going to be a quick night for the Filipino sensation. However, Marquez showed incredible resilience, weathering the storm and gradually finding his rhythm.

Over the next few rounds, Marquez began to find his range, using his superior boxing skills and counter-punching ability to keep Pacquiao at bay. He started landing cleaner shots and frustrating Pacquiao's aggressive advances. The middle rounds saw a tactical battle, with both fighters showcasing their strengths. Pacquiao's power and speed were evident, but Marquez's precision and ring generalship were equally impressive. As the fight went into the later rounds, the intensity remained high. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows, neither willing to give an inch. Marquez's adjustments allowed him to not only survive but thrive against Pacquiao's initial onslaught, turning the fight into a highly competitive contest.

When the final bell rang, the fight went to the judges' scorecards. The decision was a split draw: 115-110 for Pacquiao, 115-110 for Marquez, and 113-113. This result was highly controversial. The controversy stemmed from the first round, where one judge admitted to misscoring the round as 10-7 for Pacquiao instead of the correct 10-6, given the three knockdowns. Had the round been scored correctly, Pacquiao would have won the fight. Despite the draw, most fans and analysts agreed that Marquez had done enough to earn the victory after overcoming the early adversity. This fight set the stage for a rivalry that would captivate the boxing world for years to come. The draw left both fighters with a sense of unfinished business, and fans eagerly anticipated a rematch to settle the score.

The Rematch: Pacquiao vs. Marquez II (2008)

Four years later, on March 15, 2008, Pacquiao and Marquez met again at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This time, the fight was for Pacquiao's WBC Super Featherweight title. The rematch was highly anticipated, with both fighters looking to definitively prove their superiority. The fight started with both fighters displaying more caution than in their first encounter. Pacquiao looked to use his speed and angles, while Marquez aimed to control the center of the ring and land his precise counter punches. The early rounds were closely contested, with neither fighter gaining a significant advantage.

However, in the third round, Pacquiao landed a powerful left hand that sent Marquez to the canvas. Marquez beat the count, but it was clear that Pacquiao's power was a significant threat. As the fight progressed, Marquez continued to rely on his boxing skills and ring IQ, effectively neutralizing Pacquiao's attacks at times. The middle rounds saw a tactical chess match, with both fighters making adjustments and trying to exploit each other's weaknesses. Marquez's counter-punching remained sharp, and he managed to land some clean shots on Pacquiao.

The later rounds were filled with back-and-forth action, with both fighters having their moments. Pacquiao's relentless pressure and speed kept Marquez on the defensive, while Marquez's accuracy and timing allowed him to land effective counter punches. When the final bell rang, the fight again went to the judges' scorecards. This time, Pacquiao emerged with a split decision victory: 115-112 and 114-113 for Pacquiao, and 115-112 for Marquez. The decision was once again controversial, with many observers believing that Marquez had done enough to win. Marquez's supporters pointed to his cleaner punching and effective counter-punching, while Pacquiao's fans highlighted his aggression and the knockdown as key factors in his victory. Despite the close and contentious nature of the decision, Pacquiao walked away with the title, further fueling the rivalry and setting the stage for future encounters.

The Third Battle: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III (2011)

The third fight took place on November 12, 2011, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This time, the two warriors battled for Pacquiao's WBO Welterweight title. By this point, the rivalry had reached fever pitch, with fans around the world eager to see who would finally emerge as the clear victor. The fight began with both fighters displaying a deep understanding of each other's styles. Pacquiao looked to impose his will with his trademark speed and power, while Marquez aimed to use his boxing skills and counter-punching to frustrate Pacquiao's attacks. The early rounds were closely contested, with both fighters having their moments of success.

As the fight progressed, Pacquiao seemed to gain the upper hand, landing more frequently and effectively. His speed and angles were causing Marquez problems, and he appeared to be pulling ahead on the scorecards. However, Marquez remained resilient and continued to battle back, landing his own share of punches. The middle rounds saw Pacquiao increase his pressure, pushing Marquez onto the defensive. But Marquez's experience and ring IQ allowed him to weather the storm and continue to find openings for his counter punches.

The later rounds were filled with intense exchanges, with both fighters leaving it all in the ring. Pacquiao's relentless attacks were met with Marquez's sharp counter punches, creating a thrilling back-and-forth battle. When the final bell rang, the fight went to the judges' scorecards for the third time. The decision was a majority decision in favor of Pacquiao: 116-112 and 115-113 for Pacquiao, and 114-114. This decision was perhaps the most controversial of all, with many observers believing that Marquez had clearly won the fight. The CompuBox statistics showed that Marquez had landed more punches and had a higher accuracy rate than Pacquiao. Despite the statistics and the widespread belief that he had won, Marquez was denied victory once again. This controversial decision only intensified the rivalry and made a fourth fight inevitable.

The Decisive Chapter: Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV (2012)

The fourth and final fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez took place on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. After three controversial decisions, both fighters knew that this fight was crucial to settling their rivalry once and for all. The fight started with both fighters displaying a heightened sense of urgency. Pacquiao came out aggressively, looking to establish his dominance early on. Marquez, however, was prepared and countered effectively, landing some clean shots on Pacquiao. The early rounds saw a tactical battle, with both fighters carefully measuring each other.

As the fight progressed, the intensity increased. Pacquiao continued to press forward, while Marquez looked for opportunities to counter. In the third round, Marquez landed a powerful right hand that staggered Pacquiao, but Pacquiao was able to recover quickly. The middle rounds saw both fighters exchanging heavy blows, with neither willing to give an inch. Pacquiao's speed and power were evident, but Marquez's accuracy and timing were equally impressive. Then, in the sixth round, the fight reached its dramatic conclusion. As Pacquiao lunged in with an attack, Marquez uncorked a perfect counter right hand that landed flush on Pacquiao's chin. Pacquiao went down hard, and the referee immediately waved off the fight.

Marquez had finally secured a definitive victory over Pacquiao, silencing the critics and settling the score in their epic rivalry. The knockout was a stunning moment that reverberated throughout the boxing world. It was a testament to Marquez's skill, determination, and perseverance. For Pacquiao, it was a devastating loss that raised questions about his future in the sport. This fight not only provided a conclusive ending to their rivalry but also cemented their legacies as two of the greatest fighters of their era. The fourth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez remains one of the most memorable and dramatic moments in boxing history. The rivalry as a whole is a testament to the skill, heart, and determination of both fighters, and it will continue to be talked about for generations to come.

The Legacy of Pacquiao vs. Marquez

The Pacquiao-Marquez tetralogy is more than just a series of fights; it's a saga of skill, will, and unresolved tension. Each fight had its own narrative, its own controversies, and its own set of unforgettable moments. While Marquez finally secured a definitive win, the debates about who truly won the series continue to this day. Regardless of the scorecards, both fighters pushed each other to their limits, creating a rivalry that will forever be etched in boxing history. Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez gave fans some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in the sport, and their names will forever be linked in the annals of boxing lore.