Pacquiao Vs Marquez 3: Who Won And How?

The burning question on everyone's mind: who actually won the third epic battle between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez? Guys, this fight was a rollercoaster, and the decision is still debated today. Let's dive deep into the details of Pacquiao vs Marquez 3, breaking down the fight, the scoring, and the controversy.

The Lead-Up to the Trilogy

Before we dissect the fight itself, let's set the stage. Pacquiao and Marquez had already engaged in two absolute wars. Their first encounter in 2004 ended in a controversial draw, a result that left Marquez and his fans feeling robbed. Pacquiao dominated the early rounds, knocking Marquez down three times in the first round. However, Marquez showed his incredible resilience and boxing skills, clawing his way back into the fight and arguably winning the later rounds. The judges' scorecards reflected the fight's competitiveness, with one judge scoring it for Pacquiao, another for Marquez, and the third scoring it even, resulting in a draw.

The rematch in 2008 was even closer, with Pacquiao winning by a single point via split decision. This fight was characterized by intense exchanges and tactical adjustments from both fighters. Pacquiao managed to knock Marquez down in the third round, which proved to be a crucial factor in the scoring. Marquez, however, landed cleaner and more effective punches throughout the fight, leading many to believe he had done enough to secure the victory. The split decision in favor of Pacquiao only fueled the rivalry and intensified the demand for a third fight.

Both fights were incredibly close and contentious, solidifying the rivalry as one of the most exciting in boxing. Each fighter believed they had won, and the boxing world was clamoring for a definitive answer. This simmering rivalry, fueled by disputed decisions and contrasting styles, created an immense amount of anticipation for the third fight. It wasn't just about winning; it was about settling the score once and for all. The history between these two legends ensured that Pacquiao vs. Marquez III would be a global spectacle, drawing in fans from all corners of the world eager to witness another chapter in this legendary rivalry.

The Fight: Round by Round

Pacquiao vs. Marquez 3 took place on November 12, 2011, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the energy of thousands of fans eager to witness the next chapter in this legendary rivalry. Both fighters entered the ring in peak condition, knowing that this fight could define their legacies.

The fight itself was a tactical battle. Pacquiao, known for his speed and relentless aggression, tried to overwhelm Marquez with flurries of punches. Marquez, the counter-punching master, looked to time Pacquiao's attacks and land his own precise shots. Marquez's strategy revolved around exploiting Pacquiao's aggressive style, using his superior technique and ring generalship to control the pace of the fight and create openings for his counter punches. He focused on landing accurate shots to the body and head, aiming to slow Pacquiao down and disrupt his rhythm.

Here's a brief round-by-round summary:

• Rounds 1-3: Pacquiao started strong, using his speed and angles to land punches, but Marquez countered effectively, showcasing his precision and timing. These early rounds saw both fighters feeling each other out, establishing their game plans, and looking for opportunities to gain an advantage. Pacquiao's aggression was met with Marquez's calculated defense and counter-punching, setting the tone for the rest of the fight.
• Rounds 4-6: Marquez began to find his rhythm, landing cleaner shots and frustrating Pacquiao with his defense. Marquez's ability to anticipate Pacquiao's movements and counter with accuracy allowed him to control the exchanges and score points. Pacquiao's relentless pressure was still a factor, but Marquez's effectiveness in these rounds started to shift the momentum of the fight.
• Rounds 7-9: Pacquiao picked up the pace again, unleashing combinations and pushing Marquez back. Pacquiao's bursts of speed and power allowed him to regain some control, landing more frequently and disrupting Marquez's rhythm. The intensity of the fight increased as both fighters exchanged heavy blows, showcasing their incredible stamina and determination.
• Rounds 10-12: The final rounds were a grueling back-and-forth affair. Both fighters were visibly tired but continued to trade punches until the final bell. The sense of urgency was palpable as both Pacquiao and Marquez knew the fight was close and every punch could make the difference. They dug deep, relying on their experience and will to push through the fatigue and leave everything in the ring. The final bell signaled the end of a hard-fought battle, leaving the decision in the hands of the judges.

The Controversial Decision

After twelve hard-fought rounds, the judges scored the fight: 114-114, 115-113 for Pacquiao, and 116-112 for Pacquiao. This resulted in a majority decision victory for Manny Pacquiao. But, the controversy erupted immediately. Many observers felt that Marquez had won the fight, landing the cleaner, more effective punches throughout the night. The CompuBox stats, which showed Marquez landing more punches overall, further fueled the debate. The numbers seemed to support the argument that Marquez had outboxed Pacquiao, landing 138 of 436 punches (31.7%) compared to Pacquiao's 176 of 583 (30.2%).

The reaction to the decision was fierce. Boxing analysts, fans, and even some fighters voiced their opinions, with many expressing disbelief and outrage at the outcome. Social media exploded with comments and discussions, with the hashtag #PacquiaoMarquez3 trending worldwide. The controversy surrounding the decision added another layer to the already intense rivalry, further cementing its place in boxing history.

Marquez and his team were understandably furious. They felt they had been robbed once again, adding to the frustration from their previous two encounters. Marquez stated in the post-fight interview that he believed he had clearly won the fight and that the judges were biased in favor of Pacquiao. He expressed his disappointment and questioned the integrity of the sport, leaving the door open for a potential fourth fight to settle the score once and for all.

Why the Controversy?

Several factors contributed to the controversy surrounding the decision:

• Subjectivity of Judging: Boxing scoring is inherently subjective. Judges evaluate fights based on various criteria, including punches landed, aggression, ring generalship, and defense. Different judges may weigh these factors differently, leading to varying scores and potential disagreements on the outcome of a fight. This subjectivity is one of the main reasons why boxing decisions are often debated and scrutinized.
• Marquez's Counter-Punching Style: Marquez's style, while effective, wasn't always visually appealing to judges who favor aggression. Counter-punchers often allow their opponents to come forward and initiate the action, waiting for opportunities to land their own shots. While this strategy can be highly effective, it may not always be perceived as dominant or aggressive by the judges, potentially leading to lower scores.
• Pacquiao's Popularity: Pacquiao's status as a global superstar may have subconsciously influenced the judges. It's a harsh reality, but the popularity and marketability of a fighter can sometimes play a role in close decisions. Pacquiao's immense popularity and drawing power could have created a subtle bias in his favor, even if the fight was closely contested.

The Aftermath and Pacquiao vs Marquez 4

Due to the uproar, a fourth fight was inevitable. And boy, was it a memorable one! In December 2012, the two warriors met again. This time, Marquez ended all debate with a brutal sixth-round knockout, finally securing a definitive victory over Pacquiao. That single punch cemented Marquez's legacy and provided a satisfying conclusion to one of boxing's greatest rivalries. The knockout was a dramatic and decisive moment, silencing any doubts about who the better fighter was on that night. It was a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and strategic adjustments, proving that Marquez was not only a skilled boxer but also a determined and resilient warrior.

So, Who Really Won Pacquiao vs Marquez 3?

Technically, Pacquiao won by majority decision. But, in the eyes of many, Marquez was the unofficial victor. The controversy surrounding the fight highlights the subjective nature of boxing scoring and the impact of factors beyond just punches landed. Ultimately, the debate continues to this day, a testament to the closeness and competitiveness of this legendary rivalry. The legacy of Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 is not just about the official result but also about the passion, controversy, and enduring questions that it continues to generate among boxing fans worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of the sport and the human element involved in judging and interpreting the action inside the ring.