Pacquiao’s win stirs passionate debate

 Two friends were having a late dinner Sunday night and in between bites, they were also engaged in a heated debate. No, they were not talking of the pros and cons of the extension of federal immigrations laws in the CNMI nor the legalization or not of casino gambling here.

The frenzied conversation was about the Manny Pacquiao-Manuel Marquez bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with the Filipino icon pulling off a controversial decision over the Mexican fighter. Pacquiao won on the scorecards of two judges after 12 grueling rounds, 115-113 and 116-112. The third judge had it tied, 114-114.

The contentious decision sparked discussions among boxing fans around the world, including those from Saipan. Some claimed Marquez was robbed off the victory for the second time, others said Pacquaio deserved to win for landing more despite not dominating his foe this time.

“First of all, I thought the fight was very exciting. In all 12 rounds, Pacquiao was the aggressor and was bringing the fight to Marquez. Marquez however was sensational in counter fighting and in countering Pacquiao’s offense,” Trench Tech president and MMA fighter Cuki Alvarez said.

“Although Marquez didn’t look as flashy or as quick as Pacman, he was very successful in connecting on heavier blows. So if the fight was judged on who had more solid punches Marquez should have won. At the same time, if it were based on flashiness and the number of punches, Pacman should have won,” Alvarez added.

The Trench Tech head further explained the decision was based on three factors: aggressiveness (who seemed more active and willing to engage), ring control, and number of punches.

Pacquiao showed more of all three and although Marquez was right in there, had he been more of the stalker instead of the counter fighter, we probably would have seen another draw and quite possibly a fourth fight. So the answer to your question is yes, I believe Pacman deserved the win! It was meant to be. Now, finally, we can see Mayweather versus Pacquiao,” Alvarez said.

CNMI national team pitcher Joshua Jones and Marianas Visitors Authority’s Bruce Bateman picked the Mexican as the winner.

“The first four rounds could have gone either way, but Marquez owned the fifth with several power shots that clearly dazed the champion and gave Pacquiao a cut on his lower lip. The pair traded blows at the tail end of the ninth and Pacquiao suffered a cut above his right eye on an accidental head butt in the 10th. The judges wasn’t all scoring the rounds right,” Jones said.

“MM or MP? We have no choice but to pick MP, as in 96950. For sure someone with Man in its first name deserves to win since boxing is a MANly sport played out in smelly, MANly surroundings with blood-spattered guests seated in the first couple of rows on tough, hard MANly seats. Mainly, I think Manuel is the manlier of the two and manifestly deserved the win,” Bateman said.

Hawaii-based swimmer Rezne Wong said the fight could have gone either way, but not via majority decision.

“As far as I support Manny for his character, sportsmanship, and his life story, I think the fight should have at least been a split. Marquez, in my opinion, was more aggressive and more tactical in the fight. You can tell that Marquez was more prepared to face Manny than Manny was. I love Manny, but unfairness is the last thing I want to see in the world of sports,” Wong said.

Norman Del Rosario argued the punches landed were the deciding factor in the close bout.

“Official fight statistics from CompuBox show that Pacquiao threw and landed more punches than Marquez. Try to review the video and try to mute the video. 116-112 for Manny Pacquiao was a convincing score. What was lacking was the total domination of Pacquiao, that’s why viewers were not satisfied with the outcome,” Del Rosario said.

Asked if a there should be a Pacquiao-Marquez duel for the fourth time, Saipan boxing fans said yes.

“One more time,” Jones said.