Quote Originally Posted by SweetPea
a. Who has benefitted more, Marquez or Pacquiao, from the 4 years off between their first fight and their rematch?
IMO, Pacquiao benefits more, but maybe not as much as people might think. Marquez had just about solved Pacquiao after the second round of their first fight, so if they'd rematched a short time later, it would have been an easy fight for him.
So Pac would benefit more by default. But judging from his showing against Barrera, it doesn't look like Pacquiao has improved a whole lot as a boxer and I don't know if he even still has same explosiveness as a puncher. So unless Marquez has deteriorated over the years -- a possibility -- I think he'll still pull it out.

b. Who will benefit more, Mayweather or Cotto, from the delay of their potential upcoming showdown?
Maybe I'm just being contrarian, but Mayweather. Floyd doesn't need to be out there in front of HBO cameras to stay sharp or stay in shape -- he's one of the most intelligent and physically fit athletes in the sport. Meanwhile, if Cotto has more wars like his fights with Judah and Mosley, he'll be the one talking about needing a vacation.