Tweet
Owing to the controversial verdict of the last Pacquiao-Marquez fight, we have asked our PhilBoxing writers how they scored the fight. 15 of our writers have responded and below are their individual scores with comments. The summary is at the end of this article.
Dr. Ed de la Vega, 114-113 Pacquiao
Comment: I would have scored it even if not for the knock-down.
Emmanuel Villaruel, 114-112 Marquez
I had Marquez winning by two points, 114-112. But honestly, the fight was so close that it could have gone either way. It all depends on how the judges' view the fight. As what I've seen, Marquez clearly won the first round, but surprisingly all the three judges gave it to Pacquiao. Though it was an epic 12-round contest, it did not settle the "Unfinished Business" at all. For me, a third match between the two great warriors must be in place. (Note: Villaruel said he had one round even for both fighters, thus his score of 114-112)
Rod Mijares, 114-113 Pacquiao
Comment: The score sheet (attached) was the one I used during the fight. Right after the 12th round I added it up 116-114 for Pacquiao.
In the post fight press conference, I showed it to Joseph Pimentel of Asian Journal of Las Vegas as he wanted to compare my score with him. He said we were almost the same but I might have added the score incorrectly in haste.
So, when I saw your email. I transferred the score and made a running total and I got exactly as what Judge Miller had, 114-113 for Pacquiao.
Ryan ********, 114-113 Pacquiao
Comment: It was a tough fight to score, no question about it. My score had Pacquiao winning 114-113, with the knockdown being the deciding factor. You really had to go by your instinct with each passing round. The only rounds that were clear for either guy were 2 and 8, which were for Marquez, and 3 and 10, which were for Pacquiao. All of the other rounds were virtually subjective to the observer's individual biases and discretion.
I'm sure if I watched the fight 50 times, I'd come back with a different score each time. If Marquez was awarded the decision, I would have no quarrels with it. Of course, a champion in close decisions usually gets the benefit of the doubt. If that is factored in, as it usually does in Sin City, I could understand a sentimental judge ruling in favor of Marquez.
Epifanio Almeda, No score.
Comment: I did not score to fully enjoy the fight. I just have a feeling that Marquez won by a point or two.
Rico Navarro, 114-113 Marquez
Ed Picson, 114-113 Marquez
Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total
PACQUIAO 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 9 113
MARQUEZ 10 10 8 9 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 10 114
The fight being so close, there were rounds where it was so tight, I could have scored it a draw, but decided to score for one or the other fighter. As a matter of fact, when I saw the replay, I felt I could have given Pacquiao the 1st round which would have altered my total the other way. While I was scoring it, I did not keep a running tab, which means I had no idea who was leading in my card.
That said, I feel the split decision is more than acceptable. And in hindsight, the 3rd round knockdown and the more damaging effects of Pacquiao's blows could really tilt it in his favor. Ergo, a Marquez decision would probably elicit more justifiable protestations.
Salven Lagumbay, 114-113 Pacquiao
Dong Secuya, 114-113 Pacquiao
Comment: I had Pacquiao winning rounds 3, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 11.
Jason Aniel, 114-113 Pacquiao
Comment: Manny won 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10.
Anthony Andales, 115-113 Marquez
Comment: As we understand if you are the challenger, in order to obtain a decision you must at least dictate the fight. The best example was when Gerry Penalosa challenged Hiroshi Kawashima of Japan. Gerry captured the crown via decision because as a challenger he dictated/dominated the champion Kawashima. But on this fight, Manny was outboxed by the champion Marquez. Eventhough Marquez was floored on the 3rd round, but still he managed to regroup himself and pursue his well-planned and effective counter right hand to the head and a crisp hook-straight to the body. That makes me think highly of Marquez, his ability bounce back from a knockdown, instead of worrying out of Pacquiao's power, Marquez attacked Pacquiao with his own combination. Also, I talked to AJ Banal and World Champion Ahas Nietes yesterday via long distance, they too thought that Marquez edged Pacquiao.
Salvador Lopez, 114-113 Marquez
Comment: Judging from one of SM Sta. Rosa's theaters, I scored the fight 114-113 in favor of Marquez (based from my perception that the 1st and 12th rounds, which were probably the most closely contested rounds of the fight, were won by Marquez). However, there were some instances where Pacquiao "appeared to have been connecting" with jab straight combinations but the view was not so clear on screen so, I did not credit him for tho)se - it is possible that Manny did connect and the judges at ringside would have seen them much much clearer... So that 114-113 score could also have gone easily for Pacquiao...(Nonetheless, I uttered the phrase "AND THE NEW(!)" ahead of Michael Buffer, hoping for a Pacquiao victory!)
Ronnie Nathanielsz, No Score
Comment: To be honest I never kept score round by round because I had several visitors at home following the fight on PPV over Dream TV including a GMA 7 crew. However, when it was over I said a draw would have been the best result based on my overall appreciation of the fight.
I also wrote in my Manila Standard story that felt the third round knockdown made the difference and that when Marquez held on to the ropes that is considered a knockdown and although Kenny Bayless didnt see it that way it probably played on the minds of the judges.
Summary: Pacquiao - 8, Marquez - 5
For Pacquiao: Dr. Ed de la Vega (114-113), Edwin Espejo (115-112), Rod Mijares (114-113), Ryan ******** (114-113), Salven Lagumbay (114-113), Dong Secuya (114-113), Jason Aniel (114-113)
For Marquez: Emmanuel Villaruel (114-112), Rico Navarro (114-113), Ed Picson (114-113), Anthony Andales (115-113), Salvador Lopez (114-113)
Did Not Score: Epifanio Almeda (felt Marquez had won), Ronnie Nathanielsz (felt it was a draw but a knockdown scored by Pacquiao could have won it for him)
Comment