Pacquiao Vs Marquez 4: Who Won And How?

The burning question on every boxing fan's mind: who actually won the fourth epic showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez? Guys, this fight was a rollercoaster, a heart-stopper, and a controversy wrapped in a boxing glove. Let's dive deep into the details, shall we?

The Lead-Up to the Rematch of the Century

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the fight itself, let's set the stage. Pacquiao and Marquez had already fought three times prior to this fourth encounter. Their first fight in 2004 was a draw, a controversial one at that, with many believing Pacquiao had done enough to win. The second and third fights, in 2008 and 2011 respectively, were both razor-thin decisions in favor of Pacquiao, each one sparking more debate and fueling the fire for a fourth fight. Marquez, in particular, felt he had been robbed in those earlier bouts, claiming he had outboxed Pacquiao but the judges saw it differently. This simmering rivalry created an incredible amount of anticipation for their fourth clash.

Both fighters were at crucial junctures in their careers. Pacquiao, while still a superstar, had suffered a controversial loss to Timothy Bradley earlier in 2012, a fight many felt he won. He needed a decisive victory to reassert his dominance. Marquez, on the other hand, was looking for that signature win, the one that would cement his legacy and finally silence the doubters. He had always been considered a highly skilled technician, but some felt he lacked the power to truly dominate. The stakes were incredibly high, not just for their individual careers, but for their legacies.

The fight was promoted as "Legacy Defined," perfectly encapsulating what was on the line. It took place on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, a fitting venue for such a momentous occasion. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from all over the world eagerly anticipating what promised to be another classic encounter. The pre-fight hype was intense, with both fighters engaging in their usual routines, Pacquiao with his religious fervor and Marquez with his focused intensity. Everyone knew this was more than just a fight; it was the culmination of years of rivalry and the chance to finally settle the score.

The Fight: A Round-by-Round Breakdown

The fight itself was nothing short of spectacular. From the opening bell, both fighters came out with clear game plans. Pacquiao, known for his blazing speed and relentless attack, looked to pressure Marquez, throwing combinations and trying to overwhelm him with his volume of punches. Marquez, the counter-punching master, was content to absorb Pacquiao's attacks, waiting for opportunities to land his own shots. The early rounds were closely contested, with Pacquiao seemingly edging ahead with his activity.

As the fight progressed, Marquez began to find his rhythm. He started timing Pacquiao's attacks, landing some beautiful counter punches, particularly his right hand. Pacquiao, however, continued to press forward, landing his share of punches as well. The middle rounds saw some furious exchanges, with both fighters landing significant blows. Pacquiao seemed to be getting the better of the exchanges, but Marquez's punches were clearly having an effect.

Then came the sixth round, a moment that would forever be etched in boxing history. Pacquiao, as he had done throughout the fight, was pressing forward, looking to land a combination. Marquez, timing him perfectly, uncorked a devastating right hand that landed flush on Pacquiao's chin. Pacquiao crumbled to the canvas, unconscious. The crowd erupted in a mixture of shock and excitement. Marquez had finally done it. He had knocked out Manny Pacquiao.

The knockout was so brutal that it immediately sparked controversy. Some argued that Pacquiao was already past his prime and that Marquez had simply caught him at the right time. Others claimed that Marquez had gotten lucky, that Pacquiao had been careless in his attack. But regardless of the circumstances, the fact remained that Marquez had landed the perfect punch, a punch that had ended the fight in dramatic fashion.

The Controversial Aftermath and Judging

Despite the decisive nature of the knockout, the controversy surrounding the fight didn't end there. Many Pacquiao fans, and even some neutral observers, felt that the fight was being scored unfairly in the early rounds. They argued that Pacquiao was landing more punches and controlling the pace of the fight, yet the judges seemed to be favoring Marquez. This perception of unfair judging added fuel to the fire, with many claiming that Pacquiao had been robbed once again.

Looking at the scorecards, we can see that the judges were indeed split on their assessment of the fight. At the time of the stoppage, one judge had Pacquiao ahead 47-46, while the other two judges had Marquez ahead 47-46. This highlights just how close and competitive the fight was, and how subjective judging can be. Even with the knockout, the debate over who was actually winning the fight raged on.

Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding the knockout itself were also scrutinized. Some conspiracy theories emerged, suggesting that Marquez may have been using performance-enhancing drugs. These allegations were never proven, but they added another layer of controversy to the fight. The fact that Marquez had bulked up significantly in the lead-up to the fight raised eyebrows, and some felt that it contributed to his increased power.

So, Who Really Won?

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter. While Marquez won the fight by knockout, the question of who was winning before the knockout is a bit more complex. Objectively, Marquez won due to the definitive knockout. However, many argue that Pacquiao was on his way to winning a decision, citing his aggression and higher punch output. Ultimately, the judges' scorecards had Marquez slightly ahead at the time of the stoppage. So, according to them, Marquez was, in fact, winning.

However, the beauty (and sometimes the frustration) of boxing is that anything can happen in an instant. One punch can change everything, and that's exactly what happened in this fight. Marquez landed that perfect punch, and that's what people remember. Whether you think Pacquiao was winning or not, the fact remains that Marquez won the fight in spectacular fashion.

It's also worth noting that boxing is not just about landing the most punches; it's about landing the right punches. Marquez's punches, while perhaps fewer in number, were clearly more impactful. He was able to hurt Pacquiao throughout the fight, and he ultimately landed the knockout blow. This highlights the importance of accuracy and power in boxing, two qualities that Marquez possessed in abundance.

Legacy Defined: What the Fight Meant for Both Fighters

The fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez had a profound impact on both fighters' legacies. For Marquez, it was the defining moment of his career. He had finally beaten Pacquiao, and he had done so in emphatic fashion. The victory cemented his place among the greats, and it silenced the doubters who had questioned his power and his ability to win the big fight.

For Pacquiao, the loss was a major setback. It raised questions about his future and whether he could still compete at the highest level. While he would go on to have more success later in his career, the knockout loss to Marquez remained a significant blemish on his record. It also served as a reminder that even the greatest fighters are vulnerable.

In the end, the fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez will be remembered as one of the most exciting and controversial fights in boxing history. It was a clash of styles, a battle of wills, and a testament to the drama and unpredictability of the sport. Whether you think Pacquiao was robbed or that Marquez deserved the victory, there's no denying that it was a fight for the ages.

Final Verdict: Marquez Won, But the Debate Rages On

So, to definitively answer the question: Juan Manuel Marquez won the fourth fight against Manny Pacquiao by knockout. However, the circumstances surrounding the fight, the controversial judging, and the brutal nature of the knockout have ensured that the debate over who really won will continue to rage on for years to come. It's a fight that boxing fans will be talking about for generations.

What do you guys think? Who do you think won the fight? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to share this article with your fellow boxing fans to keep the debate alive!