Boxing News Boxing News
| The MGM Grand began to buzz as IBF bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez and challenger Mauricio Pastrana made their way to the ring. The rematch of a fight in which Marquez took a decision over Pastrana came about because Marquez wanted |  |
to see if he could stop Pastrana, something he had managed to do to all but three of his opponents to date. Many powerful exchanges between the two made for a competitive fight indeed as both fighters were hurt at varying times of the fight but Pastrana gradually became more and more broken and busted up by Marquez’s sheer power. The win marks time in style for Marquez but hopes are that he will be involved in more meaningful fights in the future. Read on for the round by round report of this fight.
Round one: A fairly even round as both fighters look up for the fight but Marquez lands a big left hook and a combination that rocks Pastrana to his core. Marquez steals the round and sends a message to Pastrana of what is to come.
Round two: Both men are very busy and exchanging some serious leather. they continually barge into one another intent to do damage but Pastrana steals himself the round with a huge right hand towards the end of the stanza.
Round three: Both land big shots and there are a lot of body shot exchanges, both fighters will have sore ribs in the morning. They exchange hurtful combinations right towards the end of the round and it appears that Pastrana has been cut around his left eye from a headbutt.
Round four: It is a very active and energetic fight, both fighters land extremely eye-catching combinations and there is no conclusive winner of the round as they appear to be so closely matched.
Round five: They are fighting on the principal of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth as they battle to a standstill, it’s an entertaining fight and whatever advantage is gained by one is quickly eclipsed by the efforts of the other.
Round six: Marquez works the body very well and then takes the same intensity to Pastrana’s head. Pastrana has his momenst but they are starting to become infrequent and is beginning to look more and more busted up facially.
Round seven: This round is much more even but it is becoming more and more obvious who is the boss. Marquez physical power not to mention the heavy effects of his punches are taking their toll on Pastrana.
Round eight: A relatively quiet round until Marquez starts to step up the pace. Marquez lands a huge barrage of shots and is suddenly laying a beating on Pastrana who stays up somehow.
At the end of the round it is obvious in Pastrana’s corner that the frocity of the previous exchange had damaged his left arm and the decision was made to pull him out of the fight at that point.
Rafael Marquez retains his IBF bantamweight title with a TKO at the end of the eighth round.
