Anyone want to view Marquez v Pacquiao 1 now, here is the link

http://www.hbo.com/boxing/

Click on Pacquiao v Marquez I FULL FIGHT link. You'll see it.


If you want to slightly enlarge the screen go to the bottom right of the box and click on 125% or 150% and adjust the bar at the bottom



Enjoy

 

I think it's a geniune 50/50 fight. However, Pacquiao should be installed as the narrow favourite. He's gained better momentum since the first fight and fought the better quality of opposition.

Marquez has been standing and trading more recently. But he looked very close to his peak against Jaurez in his last fight. Not as flat-footed. He looked as sharp as I've ever seen him.

Pacquiao has improved since the first fight. He's using his jab on a regular basis and his right hand is a more telling punch during combinations. Pacquiao also hooks off the jab, something he wasn't doing much 4 years ago. He's simply became a two fisted fighter.

I'd be surprised if Pacquiao rushes forward like he did throughout the first fight. He was getting picked apart during those moments. He'll more than likely hang back like he did against Barrera. He'll play right into Marquez's hands if he comes forward constantly. But testing Marquez's chin might not be a bad idea considering he had him down three times during the opening round of their first encounter.

I have one worry about Marquez, his chin. While it's not glass, it's not exactly granite. Down three times when they first squared off and Barrera floored him with a single right hand. Pacquiao on the otherhand has a solid set of whiskers.

Marquez's movement and reflexes need to be as good as ever. He's technically among the best fighters I've ever seen. Very good with both hands, gets a lot behind his punches, and throws every punch in the book.

Marquez will probably win via close decision. But Pacquiao will more than likely win if the bout doesn't go the distance.

 

acb. Marquez wasn't hurt?. He was hurt alright, no question. He got up with a smile on his face and went back to his corner on unsteady legs. If you watch the 8th round he wasn't the same fighter throughout the entire round. His reflexes were gone and he was getting tagged easier. His head hadn't cleared.

 

I'm not basing my prediction on Marquez's showing against Jaurez. But it needs to be taken into account to some degree as it was his last fight.

If Marquez looked terrible against Jaurez and barely squeezed out a split decision people would be saying "he's no chance against Pac". Disagree? I think you won't.

Marquez wasn't standing and trading as much as he normally does against Jaurez. Against Jandeang and Barrera he was trading more often than not. I liked his timing, speed, mobility and full arsenal of punches he showed over the course of the Jaurez fight.

Jaurez ain't Pacquiao, I know that.