Pacquiao Vs Marquez 4: Who Won & How?

The burning question on every boxing fan's mind: who actually won the fourth showdown between the legendary Manny Pacquiao and the cunning Juan Manuel Marquez? Guys, this fight was so controversial, so packed with drama, that even years later, people are still debating it! Let's dive deep into the details, the knockdowns, the scorecards, and the aftermath of this epic battle.

The Lead-Up to the Rematch

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the fight itself, let's set the stage. Pacquiao and Marquez had already faced each other three times before this fourth encounter. Their first fight in 2004 ended in a draw, a result that many felt Marquez deserved to win. Pacquiao won the second fight in 2008 by a very close split decision, and again, controversy reigned. Their third meeting in 2011 was another razor-thin majority decision victory for Pacquiao, sparking even more outrage and calls for a rematch. All three fights were incredibly close, fiercely contested, and left fans divided. The narrative leading into the fourth fight was simple: Could Marquez finally get a definitive win over Pacquiao, or would Pacquiao continue his dominance, albeit controversial, over his rival? The anticipation was palpable, with fans and analysts alike predicting another closely fought battle. Both fighters were at the peak of their careers, adding even more intensity to the rivalry. Pacquiao, known for his blazing speed and relentless attacks, was looking to cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Marquez, a master counter-puncher with incredible technique, was determined to prove that he was Pacquiao's kryptonite. The stage was set for an unforgettable night of boxing. The hype surrounding the fight was immense, with both fighters engaging in intense training camps and promotional activities. The boxing world was on the edge of its seat, eagerly awaiting the final chapter in this legendary rivalry. Could Marquez finally overcome the perceived biases of the judges and secure a victory? Or would Pacquiao's relentless pressure and speed prove too much for the Mexican legend? The questions lingered as the fight drew nearer.

The Fight: A Blow-by-Blow Account

The fight took place on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from all over the world packing the arena to witness the fourth installment of this epic rivalry. From the opening bell, the fight lived up to its billing. Pacquiao started aggressively, using his speed and footwork to create angles and land punches. Marquez, as always, remained calm and composed, looking for opportunities to counter Pacquiao's attacks. The early rounds saw both fighters trading punches, with Pacquiao seemingly having the edge in terms of activity. However, Marquez's punches were more precise and impactful, often snapping Pacquiao's head back. As the fight progressed, Marquez began to find his rhythm, timing Pacquiao's attacks and landing his signature counter right hand. In the third round, Marquez landed a powerful right hand that stunned Pacquiao, momentarily putting him on the defensive. Pacquiao recovered quickly and continued to press forward, but Marquez's confidence was growing. The middle rounds saw a back-and-forth battle, with both fighters having their moments of success. Pacquiao continued to throw a high volume of punches, while Marquez focused on landing the perfect counter. In the fifth round, Pacquiao landed a hard left hand that wobbled Marquez, forcing him to clinch. Pacquiao followed up with a flurry of punches, but Marquez weathered the storm and made it to the end of the round. The sixth round is where everything changed. Pacquiao was coming forward aggressively, looking to land a knockout blow. As he lunged in with a left hand, Marquez unleashed a perfect counter right hand that landed flush on Pacquiao's jaw. Pacquiao crumpled to the canvas, out cold. The referee immediately stopped the fight, declaring Marquez the winner by knockout. The crowd erupted in a mixture of shock and jubilation. Marquez had finally done it; he had finally defeated Pacquiao decisively.

The Controversial Knockout

Okay, let's talk about that knockout. While Marquez won by KO, the debate rages on: was it a lucky punch, or a perfectly executed strategy? Many argue that Pacquiao was winning the fight up until that fateful sixth round. He was ahead on the scorecards of two of the three judges, and his aggression seemed to be overwhelming Marquez. However, Marquez's supporters argue that he was simply waiting for the perfect opportunity to land his signature counter right hand. They point to the fact that Marquez had hurt Pacquiao several times earlier in the fight, and that he was clearly targeting Pacquiao's tendency to lunge in with his punches. The reality is that both arguments have merit. Pacquiao was indeed winning the fight, but Marquez was always a dangerous opponent with the power to change the course of the bout with a single punch. Whether it was luck or skill, the knockout was undeniably spectacular. Marquez had timed his punch perfectly, catching Pacquiao at his most vulnerable moment. The impact was devastating, leaving Pacquiao unconscious on the canvas. The knockout instantly became one of the most iconic moments in boxing history, solidifying Marquez's legacy as one of the greatest counter-punchers of all time. It also sparked a renewed debate about Pacquiao's chin and his ability to withstand punishment. Some argued that Pacquiao had become too reliant on his speed and aggression, neglecting his defensive skills. Others maintained that it was simply a case of being caught by a perfect punch. Regardless of the circumstances, the knockout was a defining moment in the rivalry between Pacquiao and Marquez. It brought an end to their series of epic battles, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if they had fought again.

The Scorecards Before the KO

To add fuel to the fire, let's look at the scorecards before the knockout. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had Pacquiao ahead 47-46, while the other judge had Marquez ahead 47-46. This just highlights how close and competitive the fight was. It's easy to see why so many people have different opinions on who was really winning. Those scorecards tell a story of a fight that could have gone either way, a testament to the skill and determination of both fighters. Even the judges couldn't agree on who was in the lead, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Pacquiao's aggression and high punch output were clearly impressing some, while Marquez's cleaner, more impactful punches were swaying others. The fact that the scorecards were so close only adds to the controversy surrounding the fight. It suggests that even without the knockout, the outcome would have been hotly debated. The judges' scores provide a snapshot of the fight up to that point, but they don't tell the whole story. They don't capture the intensity of the exchanges, the ebb and flow of momentum, or the subtle adjustments that both fighters were making. Ultimately, the scorecards are just one piece of the puzzle in trying to understand this complex and unforgettable fight. They offer a glimpse into how the judges were perceiving the action, but they don't necessarily reflect the true narrative of the battle.

The Aftermath and Reactions

The aftermath of the fight was chaotic, to say the least. Pacquiao was obviously devastated by the loss, while Marquez was ecstatic. The boxing world exploded with reactions, with some praising Marquez's victory and others questioning the legitimacy of the knockout. There were immediate calls for a fifth fight, but it never materialized. Pacquiao went on to have several more fights, with mixed results. He continued to be a major draw in the boxing world, but he never quite regained the same level of dominance he had before the Marquez fight. Marquez fought a few more times before retiring, cementing his legacy as one of Mexico's greatest boxers. The Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry became the stuff of legend, a testament to the enduring appeal of boxing's classic matchups. The four fights between them were filled with drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. They showcased the skill, courage, and determination of both fighters, and they left a lasting impact on the sport. Even years later, fans continue to debate the outcome of their battles, a sign of the enduring legacy of this epic rivalry. The Pacquiao-Marquez saga remains a touchstone for boxing fans, a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that make the sport so compelling. It's a story of two warriors who pushed each other to their limits, creating a rivalry that will be remembered for generations to come.

So, Who Really Won?

Okay, guys, let's be real. While Marquez officially won by knockout, the question of who really won is subjective. If you value aggression and volume punching, you might argue Pacquiao was winning. If you value precision and power, you might lean towards Marquez. Ultimately, it comes down to your own interpretation of the fight. There's no definitive answer, and that's what makes this rivalry so compelling. It's a matter of perspective, a clash of styles, and a battle of wills. Both fighters gave it their all, and both had moments of brilliance. The fact that the fight was so close and controversial only adds to its allure. It's a reminder that boxing is not always a clear-cut sport, and that sometimes, the outcome is open to interpretation. The Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry is a perfect example of this ambiguity, a testament to the complexity and unpredictability of the sport. So, who really won? The answer, my friends, is up to you.