No Mayweather, No Problem: Pacquiao Meets Marquez Again

A little over a year ago, when it was apparent that a Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight was not in the offing, I suggested that Pac Man fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time.

My wish has come true.

Better later than never, right?

Well, not exactly, as I feel this fight is taking place about two or three years later than it should have. But I’m not going to complain. Based on their contrasting styles (Pacquiao as the puncher and Marquez as the counter-puncher), they have made for some scintillating fights.

Unfortunately for Marquez, I do not believe the third, and likely, final installment of this rivalry will be as close as its predecessors.

Here are the five reasons why I think Manny Pacquiao will be raising his left hand in victory next Saturday.

1. (Hand) speed skills. And Pacquiao has a considerable advantage here.
2. Punching power concusses. Marquez already knows this.
3. Good chins win. Pac Man’s ability to withstand Marquez’s punches have been the difference in their past fights.
4. Great footwork preserves. Manny’s better "legs" will serve him well against the seemingly more shopworn Marquez.
5. The strong survive. Way back when they fought at featherweight, Pacquiao was stronger. The gap is even wider now.

Since I focus on five factors above, I predict that this fight will last a factor of five rounds (10 to be exact) in favor of Manny Pacquiao.