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Post by tomobrien on Nov 29, 2010 2:36:19 GMT
The Marquez/Katsidis fight was a 'barn burner'. Marquez made a statement for a fight with Pac-Man.
Thanks, Tom
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Post by Paul Bedard on Nov 29, 2010 3:06:01 GMT
Not familiar with this one. Pacman? Was there a lot of biting?? Paul B
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Post by tomobrien on Nov 30, 2010 2:00:00 GMT
Oh boy! Here's the latest in the world of boxing:
Posted Nov. 29, 2010 at 01:20am
By Michael RosenthalBuzz up! Juan Manuel Marquez got up from this third-round knockdown to stop Michael Katsidis in the ninth round Saturday in Las Vegas. Photo / Chris Cozzone-FightWireImages
BIGGEST WINNER
Juan Manuel Marquez: It’s a joy to watch Marquez fight. The 37-year-old Mexican is all we want our champions to be: skilled, resilient and brave, as he was in his ninth-round knockout of Michael Katsidis on Saturday in Las Vegas. He’s a finely tuned technician who might throw the best combinations of his generation. And his ability to stare down danger is inspiring. A perfect example came in the third round. Marquez was floored – and apparently hurt – by a perfect left hook with about two minutes remaining in the round. He got up, quickly recovered (as he always does) and got the better of Katsidis the rest of the round with a hellacious series of punches. He was awesome in the most-literal sense of the world. Marquez and Manny Pacquiao are the two most-previous gifts in the sport. We should enjoy them while we can.
BIGGEST WINNER IN DEFEAT
Michael Katsidis: Katsidis endured a horrible personal tragedy only about five weeks ago -– the sudden death of his older brother, Stathi –- yet stepped into the ring to do battle with one of the greatest fighters of his or any time. That in itself was proof his uncommon courage. Then he put Marquez through absolute hell for eight-plus rounds of a thrilling brawl, earning further admiration from those who witnessed it. The Aussie failed to win, which is nothing to be ashamed of against Marquez, but demonstrated that he’s a much-improved boxer who could give anyone an extremely tough time. He was asked immediately after the fight whether he thought Stathi would’ve been proud of his effort. Damn right he would have. We have yet to see the best of Katsidis.
BEST MATCHUP
Pacquiao-Marquez: The fight everyone wants to see is Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. but it might never happen. The next-best matchup is Pacquiao-Marquez. The two engaged in a pair of fiercely competitive fights in 2004 and 2008, one that ended in a draw and the other in a controversial decision for Pacquiao. In other words, Marquez earned a third fight. And it probably is the most marketable fight outside Pacquiao-Mayweather, with the possible exception being Pacquiao-Shane Mosley. I fear that Pacquiao will turn to Mosley because he perceives it to be an easier fight that will generate more money than a matchup with Marquez. I hope I’m wrong. I hope Pacquiao fights the man who truly deserves the opportunity.
BEST WEIGHT LIMIT
140: Bob Arum reiterated that Pacquiao will fight at 147 pounds no matter who he faces in his next fight. That’s fine if he fights Mayweather or Berto. It’s unfair if he fights Marquez. Of course, fighters who drive promotions as Pacquiao does have a right to dictate terms; that’s how it has always been in boxing. And most fighters try to gain an advantage where they can. Strictly from a competitive perspective, though, Pacquiao-Marquez should be at 140 pounds. That’s Pacquiao’s natural weight. And Marquez probably would be affect at that weight even though he’s more comfortable at 135. Marquez will look like he did against Mayweather if he’s forced to go up too high, slow and sluggish. It wouldn’t be a good fight.
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