LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao escaped again, in a decision that left Juan Manuel Marquez fuming once again.
The Filipino sensation, affectionately known as Pac Man, was taken to the limit Saturday night before winning a majority decision that infuriated Marquez and most of the sellout crowd at the MGM Grand arena.
In a bruising battle against a counter- puncher who was both accurate and fast, Pacquiao needed the final round on two scorecards to pull out the win. He got it, even though a third judge scored the round in favour of Marquez.
As boos – and cans and bottles – rained down on the ring, Pacquiao celebrated another victory and another huge payday.
Pacquiao won on two scorecards 115-113 and 116-112, while the third ringside judge had it a 114-114 draw. It was a narrow escape for the Filipino congressman, who took as much punishment as he got over 12 rounds, and Marquez was so upset he stormed from the ring.
Pacquiao won some rounds with sheer aggression, while Marquez won others with brilliant counter punching, keeping Pacquiao from getting inside. (AP)
