Rematch!

A third battle between Manny 'The Pacman' Pacquiao and Mexican slugger Juan Manuel Marquez would clear doubts about Pacquiao's close victory, according to veteran boxing analyst, Ronnie Nathanielz.

"Manny's victory was not convincing, but the one that made the difference was the knockdown in the third round. After that, Marquez was very good," Nathanielz told ABS-CBN's morning show, "Umagang Kay Ganda."

Pacquiao beat Marquez by a split, one-point decision from the three judges to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight title.  

"Everybody wants a rematch. They want to really finish the unfinished business," he said.

Nathanielz said both Pacquiao-Marquez fights have been close. "Their first fight [in 2004] was really questionable, but I think Manny won the first fight."

MARQUEZ PLAYED IT SAFE

Boxing analyst Ed Tolentino, meanwhile, said Marquez "did enough" to defend his title from Pacquiao.

Tolentino also thought that the two boxers switched roles during the fight, Pacquiao being the counter-puncher and Marquez the aggressor.

However, Tolentino said Marquez "played it safe too much" in the end, which cost him his crown.

"Unfortunately Marquez played it safe too much. He decided to settle in a particular mode. He thought, ‘I might as well box him because I’m already winning,' " he said.

UNFAIR TO MANNY

Another sports analyst, Ed Picson, said it's unfair for other analysts and boxing enthusiasts to doubt Pacquiao's victory or lecture the Filipino boxing icon.

Picson said the fight was really close and anybody could have won.

"If the fight is too close, we can never tell who will win, but the judges think Pacquiao won. The judges were hired to tell who won the fight," he said,

Picson said that there is no need for a rematch since Pacquiao had already proven that he is the better boxer.

Marquez was the fourth Mexican boxing legend that Pacquiao defeated.

He said Filipinos, who naturally want Pacquiao to leave his opponent bruised and bleeding, should be happy with the way the boxing icon took the belt from Marquez.

Meanwhile, boxing analyst Dennis Principe said "Manny connected the more telling and defective blows in this fight, generally."

DIAZ IN JUNE?

Principe said that while the $6-million rematch offer of Richard Schaefer, Marquez's promoter, is tempting.

However, he said Pacquiao would be creating a legacy if he will try to move up to a heavier level and face David Diaz, the WBC lightweight king.

Before Pacquiao settles the issue with Marquez, he said he would probably face Diaz first in June. He said negotiations for the match were underway.

Nathanielz said Diaz would be a difficult opponent for Pacquiao. He said that aside from Diaz's power, Pacquiao would have to adjust to 135 pounds, which would reduce the Filipino fighter's punching power.

"David Diaz is bigger. He can take a punch. Diaz is very good, it will not be an easy fight for Manny," he said.

When Pacquiao moves up to 135 pounds, Nathanielz said he would need to wear a heavier pair of globes at 10 ounces, which "will reduce" his punching power.

VACATION FOR MANNY

Pacquiao said he will stay in Los Angeles for a while and take a vacation with his wife, Jinky. He said he may return to the country on March 24.

He said he deserved the victory.

Pacquiao said Marquez would have to knock him down first before the Mexican slugger could claim that he won the fight.

Pacquiao knocked down Marquez twice during the third round. Marquez went down after he received a powerful left hook from the Filipino.

The two fought until the 12th round.