As boxing fans are split into two on the latest boxing match between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, it appears that a third match is to be expected, if not just to calm the Marquez camp who clearly felt robbed of the championship belt.

Winning by a single point in a split decision, one could not have asked for a more even match. The clincher was the knock down 22 seconds into the third round, which made a huge impact on the judges’ scorecards.

Judge Duane Ford gave the 12th round to Pacquiao, which may be questionable, but there was so much action at the close of the round. I am no boxing expert but I would imagine that judges score punches differently based the location, intensity, and complexity of a punch. For example, I could score 1 point by faking and then throwing a jab but I could score 2 points for daring to take a hit, avoiding it, and throwing a counter punch of my own.

The final scores were:

Judge Duane Ford 115-112 for Pacquiao
Jerry Roth 115-112 for Marquez
Tom Miller 114-113 for Pacquiao.

Marquez and his supporters believe that he should have won the match, having clearly dominated the fight in the last round. Personally, I think Manny was saved by the bell, and given what a see-saw match up this has been, there could have been more rounds and the trend will just continue. This was a very tough match to judge. Judges have their style, and that is why there are three. I believe it could have gone either way. I would have been more fine with a draw as well.

I am not a boxing expert, but I appreciate both Marquez’s hit count and countering and Manny Pacquiao’s power and agility. Both boxers definitely have very high speed and stamina. I feel that the speed of Marquez’s arms and fists were matched the speed of Pacquiao’s body and feet. Marquez landed more hits, but Pacquiao landed the more powerful ones, including the one that sent him to the canvas. It was not a lucky shot — one can clearly see the 1-2 rhythm of the punch.

As Manny Pacquiao moves to the next weight division, will Juan Manuel Marquez follow? Initial reports seem optimistic.

This makes Manny the first Asian to win 3 world titles in 3 different weight divisions (WBC flyweight, IBF Super bantamweight, WBC Super featherweight). This was such an awesome match that left both fighters cut and bloody in the end, with Pacquiao suffering from a cut underneath his right eye and Marquez from a huge gash over his right eyelid.

As this match comes to a close, I wonder what people will remember more: Marquez’s elegant punches and countering, or Pacquiao’s power punches and agility? Personally, I think it’s that knockdown on the third round. A knockdown is a knockdown.

A final nod to sportsmanship: Pacquiao tried to hug Marquez at the end of the fight but he was ignored. In Marquez’s heart he may have won, but Manny is obviously the bigger man. At least Manny did not cry when he lost to Erik Moralez.

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