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A rematch of one of the greatest featherweight clashes ever seen will not take place this year, and many whom are searching for an explanation are looking in the direction of Juan Manuel Marquez. Far be it from us mere mortals to question the fortitude of such a battle-hardened champion, but dare we wonder if the first bite was enough to shy even the fighter they call 'Dinamita' and 'the avoided one'.
If his courage is not missing in action, why is Juan Manuel Marquez so reluctant to engage Manny Pacquiao again?
It could be argued that Marquez is still a unified featherweight champion and his status affords him certain luxuries, but such a pompous stereotype does not suit him. It should be seen as a stunning about face for Marquez to have been inexcusably denied his chance of stardom for so long, only to achieve it and then repeat the sins of his predecessors. With the fees of two sanctioning organizations snapping at his heels, there are no logical financial motives to justify Marquez’s decision to face Mexican youngster Orlando Salido in a low risk, low reward affair this September. Salido’s eight losses to inferior caliber fighters than any Marquez has already faced cannot bolster the champion’s credibility with boxing fans either, especially with the promise of Pacquiao looming over him.
Meanwhile, caution is not a term you could aptly apply to the career choices of Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino’s appearances have seamlessly graduated from under-card attractions to pieces of greatness, but it is all the same to him. Pacquiao destroys fighters whether their names are famous or not. Throughout boxing history, the truly dangerous punchers maintained an aura of inevitability about them and Pacquiao is no exception. Fighters such as Pacquiao not only have skill and conditioning at their disposal, but also a frightening level of power which can rob a man of his senses, his professional possessions and perhaps even his livelihood.
Pacquiao has no internal dilemmas to hold the realization of his potential at bay, his love of fighting is only satisfied in the most esteemed and dangerous circumstances. Indeed, it was in such an encounter that he propelled himself into prominence against Marco Antonio Barrera. Winning the IBF featherweight title against an aged and battle worn Manuel Medina and then the WBA title against a most reluctant foe in Derrick Gainer means that Marquez has merely met expectations so far. In the wake of their thrilling draw in May, Pacquiao struggles for a rematch while Marquez appears to be in denial about how important it is for Pacquiao and himself to settle their score.
Public perception is an increasingly important factor in the fallout of a fight; in this instance, it seems that as long as Marquez holds out on a return fight, Pacquiao will continue to gather positive momentum. Secretly, Marquez may have decided that a re-evaluation of himself is necessary, an examination of precisely how he should go about taming the beast if they eventually meet again. However, as time passes I feel that it will prove to be no ally to Marquez, as Pacquiao will doubtlessly use it to his advantage too. Beyond the conceding of that first fateful round, Marquez masterfully fought throughout the rest of the contest, utilizing his technique and counterpunching skills to great effect. Pacquiao appeared to have limited himself during the fight, relying heavily on the lone destructiveness of his straight left hand, ominously, there is so much more he can introduce to his arsenal for the rematch. Aside from avoiding another early onslaught, what else can Marquez do to prevail over the unquenchable desire of his opponent?
The trainers of each fighter provide additional intrigue to the rematch. Freddie Roach and Ignacio Beristain will be searching out individual weaknesses and driving their respective charges to exploit them. In hindsight, perhaps a draw was the most fitting conclusion for Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao to reach, in a time when a loss can devastate the career prospects of a fighter, they remain as two explosive forces still alive and thriving. Together they conducted a symphony of pain, but the first movement rests on an imperfect cadence, suspenseful and yearning for the final chord to strike.
As we bide our time, Marquez will busy himself with the futile dismantlement of Salido and Pacquiao may temporarily satiate his bloodlust on Barrera’s renewed flesh. The bestowing of faith on Pacquiao’s shoulders might be a mistake and history quickly advises us to avoid suddenly championing a man, especially one in such dangerously hostile company. Indeed, Pacquiao’s impetuous stand may have stirred the depths of Barrera’s indomitable will, one that is ever fueling to a blaze the like of which might make even Pacquiao recoil.
Manny Pacquiao is the 'next big little thing' in boxing if you will. Yes, our faith has previously been betrayed but Pacquiao steals our affections for good reason. He is a model of intensity and dedication to his craft and his physical gifts and tenacity are enough to generate pure excitement throughout the industry, discarding the need for the cheap vulgarity of trash-talk. The only obscenity surrounding warriors such as Pacquiao and Marquez will be if they are kept apart.
While other boxing territories are famished and despairing, these are golden years for the featherweight realm. Korean Injin Chi, Filipino Pacquiao and Indonesia’s Chris John are the foreign delegates who have conspired to rob Mexico of its formerly dominant monopoly. Mexico’s champions are under threat of mutiny and under pressure to respond, Marco Antonio Barrera leads a rebellious surge, but when will Juan Manuel Marquez commit his power to the cause?
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© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2004
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By Jim Cawkwell (July 15, 2004)
