On Manny Pacquiao's KO Loss to JM Marquez

Just some personal thoughts and response on issues regarding MP's shocking loss to JMM.

Image taken from:
http://www.pacquiaovideo.com/2012/12/pacquiao-vs-marquez-winner-result.html

Some say that the K.O. blow was a lucky punch.
- I believe that the finishing punch of JMM is not a lucky punch but a legitimate one. Even after watching the replay video of the last round for the first time, I thought Manny turned down his guard at that crucial moment because his hands were not raised to protect his head. It was just too low. JMM being an excellent counter-puncher (quick eyes, quick response) saw this and took the opportunity. Unfortunately, the punch connected straight to the nose of our beloved champion.

Some say that he was cheated. JMM stepped on his foot before delivering the KO punch.
- If you will watch the video again, you will see that the KO punch connected because of lack of defense (both of Manny's hands were down). Even MP himself said that he became overconfident in that round after knocking out and seemingly wearing down JMM (there were blood in the face of JMM after the fight). Even if ever JMM did not step on Manny's foot at that moment, I believe the KO punch would still connect.

Some (especially his mother) say that his loss was because of his change of religious beliefs.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/sports/12/10/12/pacquiao-mommy-d-bicker-about-abandoned-rosary
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/boxing--pacquiao-ko-leads-to--religious--debate-040856623.html
- Since Manny Pacquiao became a born-again Christian, we can see from a career perspective that he became less dominant compared to his previous fights. His last 3 fights were somehow not up to the usual Mannny Pacquiao standard where he will win via KO, TKO if not in a unanimous decision. Was it because he left his old religion (Roman Catholic)? Was it because he was not praying to the rosary and idols anymore? What many cannot see is that even though Manny started losing in his fights since becoming a (real) Christian, he started winning in the fights of life - the fights that matter most. He won against the fight of gambling, womanizing, drinking, smoking and other vices. He won back his wife and united his family as stronger as ever, I believe... and the most glorious of all is that, he won Christ! He had a relationship, an encounter with the living God that changed his life forever.

A 'boxer's' faith in God is not measured by the fights he win. You simply have to look at his life and see if it testifies the faith he professes.

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but rubbish, that I may win Christ."

- Philippians 3:8

Congratulations MP and JMM!