It’s not because I am a Filipino that I have this bias in favor of Manny Pacquiao.  I believe that the odds favor a victory for the Pacman, racial  and other factors counted out.

First, in terms of hunger, Manny has more.  Although he is the acknowledged king of superfeatherweights, Pacquiao’s not the legal king, and the man he will fight on March 16 is the recognized crown owner.  Manny feels that the crown should be in his hands, and to remove all doubts about his status as the numero uno, he will give all he’s got to legitimize his status.

Second, Manny has shown tremendous improvements in his skills as a boxer since his first meeting with the Mexican warrior.  He has grown more powerful and refined in his boxing craft.  Up to this point, no one has really solved the puzzle that is Manny Pacquiao, except of course, Marquez.  But the Pacquiao he fought that time is not the same Pacquiao he will meet on Saturday.

Third, Juan Manuel Marquez has not really shown much since he fought Pacquiao.  He only got the belt from Marco Antonio Barrera not really through his own efforts but also because of some misdeeds of Barrera himself during their match.  Had Barrera not hit Marquez while the latter was on the floor, Marquez would not have snatched the belt from the Baby Faced Assasin.

Lastly, Juan Manuel Marquez is old.  There’s no question about excellent technical skills but the age factor will take its toll on him especially against the younger and much more improved Pacman.  Pacquiao’s speed and power will wear down Marquez with his aging body.

I expect a knockout win for Manny Pacquiao.