The sports world will turn its eyes to boxing when Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez go at it for the fourth time.
Throughout history the public has always loved a high-profile fight. Any time two popular pugilists are set to do battle in the ring, everyone is sure to weigh in with an opinion and most importantly, tune in to watch.
When it comes to names in boxing, it doesn't get much bigger than Pacquiao. Besides maybe Floyd Mayweather, he's the biggest draw in boxing and there's always a grandiose feeling connected to his fights.
Given the extensive history between these two fighters, and the trilogy that's already transpired, this is a match that has many fired up. Here's the latest buzz from around the web for Pacquiao-Marquez IV.
Nigel Collins of ESPN reports that the fight sold out and has already recorded a live gate of $10 million.
Latest sign that boxing is dead: Pac-Marquez already sold out (16,000) & a gate of $10-million.
— Nigel Collins (@ESPNFNF) December 7, 2012
ESPN First Take debated who will win the big matchup as only Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith can. Who do you side with?
Boxing debate: @mannypacquiao vs. Marquez feat. @stephenasmith & @realskipbayless youtube.com/watch?v=w5ZpgJ…
— ESPN First Take (@ESPN_FirstTake) December 6, 2012
Those interested in a back story involving animosity between Pacquiao and Marquez will be disappointed. Although the two have fought three times already, Pacquiao told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated his relationship with Marquez the same as with his other oppenents—a friendly one.
We are friends outside the ring, but inside the ring we have a job to do. ... All my opponents, I have always treated them as my friend, my brother. We are just doing our job in the ring. I never hate my opponent outside of the ring. It is just my job to fight, and there is nothing personal. I guess we are kind of friends because I look at all of my opponents as a friend.
If you're a fan of both UFC and boxing and deciding between the lightweight title fight between Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz and Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV, fret no more. Dana White announced that the boxing match will not begin until the UFC on Fox 5 main event is over.
Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum explains the significance of this fourth match and why it was necessary to ESPN's Dan Rafael.
There are people who say, 'Who needs a fourth fight?' They've see three fights, three very good, very exciting fights. ... But I know these two guys. I know that Juan Manuel Marquez thinks he won all three previous fights and the last thing he wants to do is leave it in the hands of the judges.
And I know Manny Pacquiao, having experienced the fine judging [in Las Vegas] earlier in the year [in his highly controversial split decision loss to Timothy Bradley Jr. in June] is not going to want to leave it in the hands of the judges. So we're going to see a great, great fight.
ESPN Stats & Info posted a great look at the trilogy between Pacquiao and Marquez from a statistical standpoint. One thing we know for sure is styles make fights and should make this one a war.
Get ready for 4th meeting between Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez. A look at what each must do to win: es.pn/QEvBF2
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 5, 2012
With all the buzz and build up for this one, it's sure to be a great weekend for boxing. Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for the latest news and analysis of the action as it happens.
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