The End of the Pacman Era?

By Chris Cella: Tomorrow night welterweight world champion Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao will battle challenger Juan Manuel Marquez for the belt, and this may be the fight that ends all talk about a possible super fight between Pacman and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Why you ask? Because if Pacman losses, then there is no real estate to invest in for Floyd. Sure, all you die hard Pacman fans are saying he has no chance of losing, but against Marquez he may face his toughest test in a few years, say since maybe March 15, 2008?

Twice before Pacman (53-3, 38 KO) has thrown hands with Marquez (53-5, 39 KO), once winning by split decision and the other resulting in a draw, though either fight could’ve gone Marquez’s way. The last time these two warriors stepped into the square circle was nearly three and a half years ago, and both men were different fighters. Each man is drastically bigger and stronger, and with Marquez’s style he may be setting himself up for an early night. Last time they met he was dropped three times in the first round by a Manny Pacquiao who weighed 130; Saturday night they will be coming in at the contracted weight of 144.

The only other time in his career Marquez has ventured up into the 140s was when he faced Mayweather Jr. back in ’09, a fight he lost via unanimous decision, but was punished throughout by the bigger and stronger fighter, feeling the canvas twice in the second round.

The key for Marquez is to get to Pacman early, and continue his onslaught. This will give Pacman the chance to counter, but at the same time disrupt his rhythm so he cannot get into a comfortable flow. Pacman is one fighter that has not become complacent despite his career as a politician, musician, and what’s that thing he does on the side? Oh yeah, he’s a professional boxer. He continues to improve with every title he claims, and if he is able to land big shots early on Marquez it can be a short night.

I look forward to seeing what styles emerge once the bell rings signaling the commencement of the first round. Both previous fights were wars, and fans can expect Marquez to leave it all in the ring and put on a show.

At the end of the day, Pacman is the stronger fighter, and knows how to win in big fights. This writer predicts Pacman wins by TKO in Round 7.

The Manny Pacquiao/Juan Manuel Marquez fight will be aired on PPV Saturday night.