Date: 15th March 2008
Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Title: WBC World Super-featherweight Title
Promoter: Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions & MP Promotions
Tv: HBO PPV
Juan Manuel Marquez
(
48
-
3
-
1
)
Weight: 130 lbs
Manny Pacquiao
(
45
-
3
-
2
)
Weight: 129 lbs
On March 15, 2008, the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas was host to the highly anticipated WBC World Super-featherweight Title rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight was promoted by Top Rank, Golden Boy Promotions, and MP Promotions. The WBC Super Featherweight Title was on the line, and it was the second defense by Marquez. The vacant Ring Magazine Junior Lightweight Title was also up for grabs.
In a closely contested match, Manny Pacquiao defeated Juan Manuel Marquez by split decision, winning the WBC Super Featherweight Title. Pacquiao weighed in at 129 lbs, while Marquez weighed in at 130 lbs. Pacquiao was guaranteed $3 million for the fight, while Marquez was guaranteed $1.5 million. The fight drew a crowd of 11,061.
Marquez started the fight strong, wobbling Pacquiao late in the second round with a powerful left hook. Pacquiao, however, was able to regain his composure and fought back, leading to an intense third round. Pacquiao landed a hard left that knocked Marquez down and stunned him as the bell rang to end the round.
Throughout the fight, Pacquiao landed 172 of 511 punches (34 percent), while Marquez connected on 157 of 619 (25 percent). Despite the close nature of the fight, Pacquiao was able to secure the victory and claim the title.
The fight generated a record 400,000 buys, representing $20.2 million in sales. The bout was a testament to the skill and endurance of both fighters, and it further cemented the rivalry between Pacquiao and Marquez. The fight has since been regarded as one of the most exciting and memorable matches in boxing history.