8:38 AM
love joy
Juan Manuel Marquez should retire if he loses to Manny Pacquiao, simply because there isn't any thing left for him to accomplish.
Marquez is now 38 years old, which is ancient by boxing standards. This will be his 60th career professional fight. Although he's won 53 of those, he's still taken more than his fair share of punishment.
The Mexican warrior has knocked out 39 opponents and won eight world titles in three different weight classes.
The only thing he can do to boost his resume now is beat his rival Pacquiao for the first time. And unfortunately for Marquez, I seriously doubt that will happen.
Marquez was able to hang around in the first two fights because of his speed and counter punching ability. However, he has neutralized his own greatest advantage by adding muscle.
Both fighters will be at 144 pounds for this fight, 17 pounds heavier than their last meeting. Pacquiao has been comfortable at this weight for two years now, continuously destroying opponents.
In Marquez's only previous attempt at welterweight, he was beaten down for 12 rounds by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Marquez presumably bulked up for this fight so he can stand and battle Pacquiao. But I think that's a strategy that will ultimately backfire.
Pacquiao is the most aggressive boxer in the welterweight class. He has incredible speed and brutal power in both hands.
I'm expecting complete and utter dominance from Pacquiao. And after receiving such a beating, Marquez would be wise to hang up the gloves.
He is a legend in the sport, but there's no reason for him to continue fighting. He's got nothing left to prove, and I'm sure he doesn't want to keep returning home to his children with a bruised and swollen face.
Whether he wins or loses on Saturday, Marquez would be wise to retire while he still has his dignity.