Juan Manuel Marquez knocks Manny Pacquiao out cold!

When thinking about the context and build towards Pacquiao vs Marquez IV, I highly doubt a more perfect ending could have occurred for such a bout. Considering the highly debated decisions, three previous fights across many years, the different weight divisions, all the weight has finally been lifted off of Marquez’s chest.

Marquez had said he was going to have to knock out Pacquiao to get the result he so desired. I thought, “easier said than done”, especially considering that Marquez had never knocked down Pacquiao. On the other hand, Marquez had been dropped four times in their storied rivalry. I was skeptical that Marquez could finish him and the age of Marquez (39) had me worried for his chances.

What we saw was not only the fight of the year but the knockout of the year. It was a glorious, almost magical ending to a heated feud between two of the most accomplished boxers of this, or any other generation. If you were opposed to this fight, you were wrong. If you wanted to see Pacquiao fight Bradley again, you were even more wrong. If you wanted to ignore Marquez, you can’t ignore him now.

The first two rounds, had Pacquiao outworking the Mexican icon. The first shocking moment of the fight was in the third frame, a heavy right hand forcing Pacquiao to the mat. It was Pacquiao’s first taste of the canvas in this series. However, he came back. Was damaging Marquez, and even scored a knockdown in the fourth frame. Pacquiao was landing huge power strikes on Marquez, cutting him up and hurting him. The exchanges were electrifying. Then in the final second of sixth frame, the bloodied and resilient Marquez hit a perfect counter that shut the Filipino superstar out cold. It was an incredible, emotional, and just downright perfect ending to this rivalry. It was cinematic, an 8 1/2 year journey ending with one perfect crafty counter.

Honestly, if I ever have children or grandchildren, this is something I would share with them. To a large population around the world, Pacquiao was a superstar. To me and to others that feel the same way I do, Marquez was our man. We felt he wasn’t getting the respect that he so rightfully deserve. He had a chip on his shoulder for a reason and I think he can now be at peace with his unique relationship with Pacquiao.

This fight was not meant to get a analytical type of reaction out of anyone that watched it. This was a visceral, energetic, and emotional journey, thus this is the reason why this post is meant more to capture the genuine feeling behind this epic fight. This was beautiful, boxing at its finest, and a historical bout that we should all be fond of. If someone doesn’t understand your love for combat sports, just start with the ballad of Marquez and Pacquiao.