Pacquiao, Marquez enter ring; Marquez chants fill Arena
MANILA, Philippines—Shortly after the last undercard match ended, the crowd at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas erupted in anticipation for the third fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao, in a robe of blue, red and white combination, was met with wild cheers as he entered the ring to the tune of Eye of the Tiger with the Survivor singer in the lead.
While Marquez, clad in a black and white robe, was accompanied with a classic Mexican band in his entrance.
For a moment, though, the “Marquez, Marquez” chants, were more prominent in the Arena.
Fil-Canadian internet star Maria Aragon sang the “Lupang Hinirang” while Fil-American American Idol standout sang the National anthem of the United States.
Ring announcer Michale Buffer also led the tribute to boxing legend Joe “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier with a 10-bell count before the two fighters were ushered to the ring.
Pacquiao is fighting the counter-punching Marquez for the third time—hoping to finally settle the score.
The first match in 2004 saw the Marquez rally from staggering three knockdowns in the first round to forge a controversial draw.
The second meeting, meanwhile, had Pacquiao chalk up a narrow split decision in 2008 highlighted by a third-round knockdown of Marquez.
Pacquiao has won his last 14 fights. His last loss was to Erik Morales in 2005.
