13.12.07 – By Phil Santos – Overhandright.com: With, what should be, two exciting rematches and a rubber match upcoming I got to thinking: Do any of these talented current and former champions have any hope at being victorious?
The prospect of Juan Manuel Marquez, Raphael Marquez and Jermain Taylor all losing their next fight seems improbable, until you take a look at their opposition. Both Jermain Taylor and Raphael Marquez tasted defeat by way of knockout in their last fight. For Taylor the loss was his first and for Marquez his first in nearly seven years. The elder Marquez, Juan Manuel, is riding a four fight winning streak with his last two coming over Rocky Juarez and Marco Antonio Barrera..
Juan Manuel Marquez faces the buzz saw that is Manny Pacquiao in a bout scheduled to take place on March 15, 2008. Marquez has been here before, he’s tasted the power of Pacquiao, and he has withstood his relentless pressure. While he did not emerge victorious he did get off the canvas three times in the 1st round to force a Draw. That Marquez didn’t quit, or simply wilt under the pressure, could be seen as a victory in itself. And Maybe, just maybe, the fact that he was able to win enough late rounds to earn a Draw means that he somehow figured out one of the worlds most electric fighters and now possesses the know how to defeat him.
Pacquiao/Marquez is the fight that makes the most sense for both men. Aside from a close UD loss to Erik Morales, Juan Manuel is the only fighter to give Pacquiao a run for his money in the last five years. Both combatants recently won relatively easy Decisions over future Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera. So it’s fair to say Marquez and Pacquiao are the best 130 pound fighters on the planet, this is no mismatch, but when it comes right down to it Manny Pacquiao is one of the best fighters on the planet period. Marquez should definitely test Manny more than once but I see Pacquiao by late TKO or Decision. For Marquez to win he must somehow keep Pacquiao off balance with timed attacks and constant movement. A decision victory could be won, but Marquez would have to be perfect and perfection against Pacquiao is rare. If he is lulled into a stand and trade disaster surely awaits Marquez who has only 2 knockouts in his last nine fights.
Likelihood of Victory: Juan Manuel Marquez chances of victory are slim however; you should see an exciting fight, between two terrific fighters.