Pacquiao wins by split to end 'unfinished business'

LAS VEGAS – Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao wrested the crown of World Boxing Council superfeatherweight champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez in their scheduled 12-round fight at Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

"Pacman" climbed the ring vowing to end some unfinished business – complete his execution of Mexico’s three boxing champions – when he fought for the crown of Marquez.

With the whole world watching, Pacquiao fulfilled his dream of becoming the first boxer from Asia to win three world titles in different weight classes and complete his domination of Mexico’s greatest fighters after crushing Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera in the last three years.

But for one reason or another, it almost did not happen. Not until today, almost four years past, that their promoters, Top Rank for Pacquiao and Golden Boy for Marquez, had made it possible.

And the whole world watched as Pacquiao, at 29 considered the best pound-for-pound fighter today, and Marquez, at 34 probably stretching the years, finished their “unfinished business”.

Pacquiao was the overwhelming favorite in the fight dubbed Marquez-Pacquaiao II: Unfinished Business, scheduled for 12 rounds at the 12,000-seat Events Center. Many believed that he’d win by knockout or at the very least in convincing fashion.

Right after Friday’s weigh-in, where he tipped the scales at 129 lbs (Marquez just right for the super-featherweight limit of 130 lbs) Pacquiao hinted of a knockout, which should come inside nine rounds.

Judges were split in their decision with the following offical scorecards: Jerry Roth, 115-112 (Marquez); Duane Ford, 115-112 (Pacquiao); and Tom Miller, 114-113 (Pacquiao). - with Abac Cordero