Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 4 Fight Time, Preview
Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 4 takes place tonight in one of the most eagerly awaited boxing clashes of the year. The previous three fights between the two have all been as controversial as they have been entertaining, and boxing fans around the world are predicting further fireworks in the bout in Las Vegas tonight. The fight will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas with the card starting from 9 p.m. ET and the main event starting closer to midnight - it can be watched on HBO Pay-Per-View or fans can watch online through free live stream (details below).
The Pac-Man is 2-0-1 lifetime against Marquez, although every single fight has been a classic, and have come down to the narrowed decisions – often sparking controversy. Over the previous 36 rounds between the paid neither has been able to knock out the other, and the slug-fests have always come down to the judges' points cards. Most pundits are expecting more of the same on Saturday.
Marquez weighed in at 143 pounds, and looked in top shape as he prepares for what many are saying will be his last hurrah in the ring. He will be doing everything he can to finally come out with a win tonight in probably the most interesting rivalry in world boxing over the past decade.
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Marquez has said ahead of the fight: "My motivation is that I want them to raise my hand in the ring. I don't want people to just say, 'You really beat him.' I want them to know that I beat him."
Meanwhile, Pacquiao has said, "Right now my mind is focused on being more aggressive for this fight," according to Thomas Gerbasi of BoxingScene.com. "If there is a chance in the ring during the fight, why not make the fight easy if I have the opportunity?"
Marquez has said he needs to knock out Pacquiao to be sure of victory, following three too-close-to-call contests against the person who is widely touted to be the best pound for pound boxer in the world.
The first fight between the two was adjudged to be a draw on the scorecards. That amazing fight sparked two rematches, which both saw Pacquiao awarded the decision following almost completely even contests. This fourth bout between the pair looks to decide things once and for all, and fans will be hoping for the rivalry to finally end tonight with a knock out.
"I am looking for the knockout," Marquez told BBC. "I have trained really hard and I feel ready. I am looking for the knockout because the judges gave another decision [when they last met]. I need to do a perfect fight."
One thing Pacquiao has on his side, according to many pundits, is age; at 33, Pacquiao is six years younger than Marquez, meaning as time goes on the less likely Marquez has of overcoming his great rival. However, others have suggested that Pacquiao has been distracted over recent years, getting involved in politics and various other projects – they highlight he has not knocked out any of his opponents in his last five fights over the past three years.
He is also coming into this fight on the back of a loss against American Timothy Bradley in June – although that could prove more motivation that discouragement for Pacquiao, as a huge majority of fans and boxing pundits were left stunned at that points decision, with almost everyone suggesting Pacquiao clearly won that fight.
Pacquiao has said "I have prepared more. I am expecting [Marquez] to prove something because he is claiming he won the [last] fight."
Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 4 undercard takes place Saturday from 9 p.m. ET with the main event closer to midnight, and can be watched online through free live stream by clicking here.
