No early KO in today?s menu
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Dec 2012
THE customer is always right, but sorry Manny Pacquiao is not likely to get his order for a quickie finish.
After all was said, it suddenly turned out the wished-for toe-to-toe clash against Juan Manuel Marquez was no longer in the menu.
Or was it ever there?
The promise of a ferocious slug-out loomed after it was reported.--a little too loud?that Marquez was undergoing tremendous physical build-up in the mountains and in the gym around Mexico City.
Reason: Marquez had feared falling prey again to what he proudly protested against were the judges? bias for Pacquiao in all their previous bouts.
To end the controversy once and for all, the Mexican great had vowed a KO ending this fourth time out (today).
Marquez?s perceived bulk-up had seemed all too real it had even led Freddie Roach to hint the opposing camp tinkered with performance enhancing drugs (PED).
The Mexicans, naturally, cried that this was both foul and baseless.
All through the verbal skirmishes, there naturally developed the belief Marquez would be thicker, tougher and stronger for his fourth fight versus Pacquiao.
It was also believed Pacquiao would opt to go leaner in order to recapture his original spark and speed.
Meanwhile, promoter Bob Arum took time out to warn that, if Marquez would indeed pursue his new plan of going extra-aggressive, he would be sacrificing his defensive competence, too.
Did the eminent promoter honestly believe Marquez, supremely tested, would play it wild at the first bell and go for a jackpot stoppage.
There was no clear answer in the run-up to yesterday?s weigh-in.
If anything, Marquez stayed in seclusion upon hitting Las Vegas and, in the few times he stayed out, he was seen wrapped in thick attire, jacket or sweat shirt.
Was Marquez trying to conceal something?
The answer was provided during the official weight tests at the Las Vegas MGM Grand.
There was nothing to hide!
Marquez, superbly chiseled, checked in at 143 lbs., four pounds under.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, barely cleared the 147-lbs limit.
Naturally, not a few experts found it odd how Marquez, who was supposed to have bulked up, submitted the less menacing poundage.
This also made it clear Marquez would not allow himself to be involved in an early firefight, contrary to Pacquiao?s fervent wish.
Adjustments, indeed, would be a major factor and Marquez had obviously scored.
This did not exactly put Pacquiao on the ropes ahead of the fight.
In fact, there was the ready counter that Pacquiao should also be able to use the unexpected beef-up for extra power when he chases for that elusive stoppage.
Marquez, 39, had been decked a few times but has never been knocked out.
Pacquiao, 33, had been stopped at least twice.
One was primed to perfection while the other was chiseled into a mean, meticulous punching machine.
Pacquiao and Marquez have an even shot at winning?and losing.
One thing is sure though: there will be no early KO today.
Or has Bob Arum prepared an emergency menu?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. LANI DANIELS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Brian Norman Jr.: "This Championship Belt Means Everything to Me!"
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Julian Gonzalez Takes on Former World Title Challenger Jason Sanchez in Main Event on Friday, June 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 18 Jun 2025IBA reaffirms its commitment to good governance and stability in Africa
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Day One of the USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Concludes
Wed, 18 Jun 2025The Past Week in Action 16 June 2025: Hitchins Stops Kambosos; Wins by Andy Cruz and Teremoana; Donaire Returns
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Jun 2025THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 9 - MUHAMMAD ALI WINS WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 17 Jun 2025OKC Nears First NBA Title in Thunder Era; Outclasses Indiana, 120-109 in Game 5
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Crawford Refutes #3 P4P Ranking; WBA Doesn't Forget Nonito Donaire
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 17 Jun 2025GM John Paul Gomez joins Touchmove in Roxas City
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Perfect foe, perfect outcome
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 17 Jun 2025Prospects Collide Results: Rajon Chance Defeats Yan Carlos Perez
Tue, 17 Jun 2025Undefeated Russian super middleweight Petr “The Surgeon” Khamukov to headline This Friday in Long Beach on DAZN
Tue, 17 Jun 2025International Boxing & MMA Consultants Appointed to serve as El Salvador Professional Combat Sport Commission
Tue, 17 Jun 2025Sasotize teams champion and 1st runner up in 2nd JCI Senate Chess Tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Jun 2025