Pacquiao vs Marquez III

The wait for boxing fans and Juan Manuel Marquez more importantly is over. The long time lightweight champion Marquez looks to avenge a 2008 defeat to world pound for pound hero Manny Pacquiao tonight at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The third fight between Pacquiao and Marquez is moments away. The first two fights were close.Pacquiao, the heavy favorite, has improved since he last fought Marquez. The Filipino is a 9 to 1 favorite to beat the 38-year-old Marquez. We will find out what happens in the ring in minutes. The bout will be fought at a catch-weight of 144 pounds.

Manny Pacquiao 53-3-2, 38 knockouts weighs 143 pounds tonight. Juan Manuel Marquez, 53-5-1, 39 knockouts, weighs 142.

National anthems are in progress. it's almost showtime folks. Marquez walks in first wearing an all black robe with white strips. The atmosphere is electric at the MGM. Next comes Pacquiao, sporting a red and blue robe. He says a prayer before walking into the ring. The crowd is pumped. Eye of the Tiger blares in the speakers. Pacquiao means business, no smile on his face now. It's time for battle.

This should be another great night of boxing!

Marquez in black trunks, Pacquiao in blue.

Round 1

It’s a battle of nerves early. A battle of jabs in the first minute, neither fighter has thrown a power shot. Marquez lands a soft left hook. Pacquiao’s jabs are short. Marquez is leading early. Pacquiao connected with a nice left cross to the head. Both fighters look sharp. Pacquiao looks faster. A close round, but Pacquiao wins. 10-9 Pac.

Round 2

Round starts tactical.Marquez is looking for the straight right hand but has not found the target. He is trying to set it up with the left jab. Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s straight left is landing. Good uppercut by Marquez followed by a nice right counter.Marquez wins another close one. 10-9 Marquez.

Round 3

There have not been many risks taken by either fighter. Pacquiao is faster and Marquez is looking for the counter again. The offense is mute in round three. But Marquez has landed the cleaner shots. The conservative, defensive approach is working so far for Marquez. 10-9 Marquez.

Round 4

The fight is taking place in the center of the ring. Pacquiao is trying to find his pace. And he seems to have imposed his speed in this round. Marquez reached for a left hook that didn’t land but he landed a good straight right hand. Marquez has swelling on the outside of his right eye. Pacquiao wobbled by a good right by Marquez but he returned with a left cross.

Marquez 10-9

Round 5

Pacquiao connects with good jabs to the body. Marquez follows with shots to the body that were blocked. This is a better round for Pacquiao so far. Marquez has the clear edge in boxing ability. Pacquiao cannot find his left hand. And he gets hit with a solid right hand.

Marquez 10-9

Round 6

Pacquiao starts cautious. Marquez lands a good jab and continues to look for the counter shot. The crowd seems stunned, expecting a Pacquiao explosion.Pacquiao comes out storming in the second minute. He lands a good two-punch combo. The action is picking up. It’s a Pacquiao round. 10-9 Pacquiao

Round 7

Marquez rocks Pacquiao with an overhand right. The champ takes it well. Pacquiao is reaching for shots but has not landed anything solid yet in the round. Marquez lands a good counter hook to the body. Pacquiao is bleeding from the mouth, he lands a good body shot. This was a very close round. Pacquiao 10-9

Round 8

Marquez is countering Pacquiao well in this round. He is taking his time and picking his shots. He lands a good counter right to the head in the second minute. This is another very close round. Marquez hits Pacquiao with a good straight right to punctuate the round. 10-9 Marquez

Round 9

Marquez is catching wind with his shots. Pacquiao is fighting at controlled pace. Marquez is throwing more shots. Pacquiao is catching Marquez with the straight left to the head and backing Marquez. This is the best round of the fight. Good round for Pacquiao. 10-9 Pacquiao

Round 10

Marquez’s face looks red, Pacquiao has more bounce in this round. He is the aggressor and Marquez looks a bit tired. These guys are trading shots. Pacquiao is bleeding from a head butt. The blood looks to be dripping into his eyes and bothering him. The blood is dripping into his right eye and it is above the eye. Yet, the Pacman still wins. 10-9 Pacquiao

Round 11

The blood has stopped. Pacquiao is charging Marquez. He looks stronger. A nice right hand by Pacquiao is returned by Marquez. This is a highly skilled fight. Maruez continues to look for the counter shot. Marquez is cautious and it might have lost him the round. 10-9 Pacquiao

Round 12

The last round begins Pacquiao lands a good right hand but it does minimal damage. Marquez has not thrown much. Pacquiao hits Marquez with a good right to the body. Marquez is trying to time many with a good right. Pacquiao wins the round and possibly stole the fight. 10-9 Pacquiao

TSS scores the fight 115-113 for Pacquiao as we await the official scores.

Official scores are read: 114-114, 115-113, 116-112. Pacquiao wins by majority decision.