Juan Manuel Marquez, left, of Mexico, takes a right from Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, in the second round of their WBC super featherweight title match at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas, Saturday, March 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

In their first match in May 2004, Manny Paquiao Pacquiao (46-3-2) and Juan Manuel Marquez (48-4-1) resulted in a draw. Marquez was knocked down three times in round 1 was able to win the rest of the rounds that saved him from a career disaster. Some had doubts who really did better among the two fighters. Everyone wanted a rematch of this fight. Today that wish was granted!

Manny Pacquao Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fought the second time at Las Vegas Nevada’s Mandalay Bay Events Center for this 130-pound title fight where the venue as usual was filled with many fans from the Philippines and from Mexico.

In the opening rounds of the fight everything seemed to Manny Pacquaio Pacquiao as he out powered Juan Manuel Marquez as well as showed his fast speed punching which brought Juan Manuel Marquez to the canvas in the 3rd round. Many Filipinos have rejoiced thinking the end was near and the game was all Manny Pacquoao Pacquiao from there.

But Juan Manuel Marquez was a quick recoverer, known to have tough knees Marquez was back on his feet in no time and was able to push the game a bit further. Known to be a smart fighter Juan Manuel Marquez adjusted his game and was very good in using his right cross very effectively. He was so quick using it that it looks like he can throw them as fast as throwing jabs. Manny Pacquao Pacquiao, the south paw was vulnerable to Juan Marquez right punch every time Manny Paquao Pacquiao threw a right jab. With Manuel Marques Marquez continues laser focus right hand kept Manny Pacquiao busy, it eventually gave Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao a cut over the right eye in round 8.

Round 8 started to look like Juan Manuel Marquez’ game as he dominated this round and few of the next rounds after it taking advantage of Manny Pacquaio Pacquiao’ right eye cut he got in the 4th round causing him not able to defend well not being able to see the punches coming where the “Pacman” took some head shots and a strong body shot on the right side. Manny Paquao Pacquiao also showing his signs of frustrations which he is known to do by punching his gloves together. But for ever significant barrage of punches Marquez makes, Manny would raise both hands showing he still can take it and is not affected.

The fight goes the distance as unexpected by many where Manny Paquiao Pacquiao seemed to regain dominance in rounds 10 and 11 who just showed to everyone he still had the energy where he outperformed Marquez and was just quicker at the punch. The last round belong to Marquez where “Pacman” just didn’t seem to catch Marquez and was failing to land effective punches.

Deciding on the fight was tough as both had their share of dominant rounds and everyone was anticipating intensely of the decision. Both fighters bloody were waiting for the scorecards as both showed respect to each other as they approached each other in appreciation of the good fight.

Judges gave the following scores:

• Judge Duane Ford:
  Pacquiao 115
  Marquez 112
• Jerry Roth:
  Marquez 115
  Pacquiao 112
• Tom Miller, the tie breaker:
  Pacquiao 114
  Marquez 113

Marquez was not happy with the decision and still believed he was the more powerful fighter. He did not believe the 3rd round knockout was a fight differentiator saying he was able to perform well until the last round. He said he is still willing to go for a 3rd fight but Manny thinks this is their last fight as he said, business is over.

After this fight, Manny Paquiao is the first Asian fighter to win 4 major world titles in different weight divisions and plans to make it his fifth where he is thinking on moving on to 135 pounds going against WBC lightwight champion David Diaz who won on Saturday’s undercard.

Filipinos once again are happy having the Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) win in an international competition placing the Philippines once again on the map. And currently another Filipino is trying his best to make his way in winning a different international contest. Benj Arriola, the winner of the 2007 SEO World Championship is again vying to win the top position in the SEOContest2008 by UK WebMaster World! We will wish him luck and hopes he brings home the gold showing the Filipino talent is really world class! You can show your support by linking to http://www.seocontest2008.com/