Manny Pacquiao versus Juan Manuel Marquez is without a doubt one of the best boxing rivalries in this generation. The two have given us a couple of intense fights, the results of which still inspire debates among boxing fans.
Some say Pacquiao should have won the first fight because one of the judges failed to score the first round as 10-6 to his favor but others claim that Marquez should’ve been given the nod because he won majority of the next 11 rounds.
The same drama surrounded the second fight. Many thought Pacquiao was rightfully awarded the split decision victory while others scored it for Marquez. But whoever side you’re on, there’s no denying the fact that when these two get in the ring against each other, scorching action is soon to follow.
Bob Arum plans to make their third fight the biggest ever. The first part of the plan has already been settled and this was to head back to cable giant HBO after a brief stint with Showtime. The second part is a press tour that will take Pacquiao and Marquez to five major cities around the world to promote their fight.
Luckily for Filipino fans, Top Rank decided that Manila will be the first leg of the tour which means that Pacquiao’s fans will have the chance to size up Marquez before the two complete their trilogy in November.
The event will be held at the Quirino Grandstand on September 3. The day will begin with a press conference at the Manila Hotel and, immediately after this, Pacquiao and Marquez will both walk to the Quirino Grandstand to officially start the event. On September 4, the two combatants will hear Mass together in a soon-to-be-determined church in Manila.
This will be the Mexican’s second visit to the country. The first one was meant to coax Pacquiao into another match but it fell on deaf ears. Now, Marquez no longer needs to beg for another shot at Pacquiao. Even though Filipinos see Marquez as a thorn in Pacquiao’s side for all these years, they still respect him because of his boxing savvy and his ability to get up every time he gets knocked down. It’s safe to say that Marquez, together with his entourage which includes legendary trainer Nacho Beristain, will enjoy a warm welcome in Manila.
Aside from Pacquiao and Marquez, other celebrities will also be part of the celebration. There will be bands, singers, dancers, and other performers who will make it an event to remember. There will also be cultural presentations to celebrate the rich heritage of the Philippines and Mexico.
Arum wants to start the Pacquiao-Marquez 3 promotions with a bang and he definitely chose the best place to start. The third fight between Pacquiao and Marquez will be fought in the welterweight division with a catchweight of 144 pounds. It will be Pacquiao’s third defense of the WBO welterweight title he won from Miguel Cotto. --OMG, GMA News
Source: gmanews.tv
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