Pacquiao edges out Marquez for Super Featherweight Championship

Pacquiao says no to third fight with Marquez!

Last night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV Manny Pacquiao won a disputed split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC Super Featherweight Championship.

Pacquiao scored a knockdown of Marquez in the third round, which is what made the difference in the decision for the Philipino superstar. The judges scored the fight 115-112 Marquez, 115-112 and 114-113 Pacquiao. Boxing Chronicles gave Marquez a slight edge, scoring the fight 114-113.

This fight was a rematch of their classic battle from May 2004, which ended in a questionable draw. Following their first fight, it was my belief that Pacquiao deserved the decision based on the three knockdowns he scored in the first round. In the rematch, however, I felt as though Marquez was the one who had done enough to win the fight. You won't hear me cry robbery, though, as this was fight was extremely close and the decision could have gone to either fighter.

In reality, this fight was a one point, two points at the most, win for either fighter. It all depends on what style you preferred. You either liked Pacquiao's clearer power shots and Marquez's counterpunching style. In any case, this was a terrific seesaw battle that will surely be a fight of the year candidate for 2008. The fight was televised on HBO Pay Per View.

Pacquiao made it clear in the post fight interview and press conference that he will not give Marquez a rematch. His business with Marquez is finished and he looks forward to moving up to 135lbs. Pacquiao is tentatively scheduled to face Lightweight titlist David Diaz on June 28 later this year.