Updated December 09, 2012
After thirty-six close, competitive rounds, fight fans figured they had already read the script for the fourth meeting between
Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and
Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 39 KOs). Two things we hadn't seen were Pacquiao on the canvas and an outcome that was neither controversial nor required scorecards. We got both last night as Marquez dropped Pacquiao with a big right hand in round three and then knocked him out cold at the end of round six with a perfect counter right.
The ending shocked the sell out crowd of 16,348 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as it was literally a one-punch KO. Pacquiao went down face first and was unconscious before he hit the canvas. Referee Kenny Bayless waved off the bout without a count as Pacquiao lay motionless for nearly two minutes.
Despite the stunning ending, Pacquiao was fighting well - dropping Marquez with a right in round five - and was actually ahead 47-46 on all three scorecards through five rounds. Both fighters were taken to the hospital after the bout for precautionary examinations.
Punch Stats: Total Punches: Pacquiao - 94 of 256 (37%); Marquez - 52 of 246 (21%); Jabs: Pacquiao - 26 of 108 (24%); Marquez - 11 of 96 (11%); Power Shots: Pacquiao - 68 of 148 (46%); Marquez - 41 of 150 (27%).
The outcome may put the final nail in the coffin of a possible meeting between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.. Even if that fight does happen at some point in the future, it will never have the significance it once could have as Pacquiao has now gone six fights in a row without a knock out and has completely lost his air on invincibility.
As unlikely as it seemed coming in to Pacquiao-Marquez IV, the most logical next fight for both boxers is Pacquaio-Marquez V.
HBO will replay the fight next Saturday, December 15 at 9:30pm ET prior to its Nonito Donaire - Jorge Arce, Guillermo Rigondeaux - Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym double-header.
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