The scores were very close: 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114, which has always been the case with these two fighters. Manny Pacquiao may be regarded as the world’s best pound for pound fighter but it seems that Marquez is finally giving the champion a run for his money.

The majority of commentators and ringside viewers were quite surprised that Manny managed to win the fight. Marquez even admitted to not knowing what else he needed to beat the Pacman. But how I understand it, the unwritten rule has always been that the challenger must beat the champion (as opposed to the champion having to beat the challenger); so I would have to give Manny the benefit of the doubt.

Sports betting punters may want to take heed though; Pacquiao has quite a busy life outside of the ring. He is a Philippine Congressman, has a new fruit juice business, a singing career and a number of well known sponsors to look after. Betting on whether he thinks about retiring is not on the cards; but it does look like the beginning of the end is coming...