Pacquiao - Marquez 3 to use instant replay

Source : Joseph Lariosa/JVP, GMA News

Marquez interviewing Pacquiao

The third installment of Manny Pacquiao's epic rivalry with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez will use the instant replay rule, which is being utilized by major sports leagues in North America.


The Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) has approved the use of the instant replay in Pacquiao’s 12-round showdown with Marquez on November 12 for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event or incident in a sport event very soon after it has occurred.

NAC executive director Keith Kizer said the instant replay is going to assure the decision made by the referee will not be controversial like in their first two meetings.

Pacquiao's first fight with Marquez in 2004 ended in a draw even though the Filipino southpaw floored Marquez thrice in the first round. In their 2008 rematch, Pacquiao knocked down Marquez in the third round on his way of clinching a controversial split decision win.

The instant replay rule will also be used in professional unarmed combat sports like boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) in Nevada State.

Kizer said the instant replay will be used to see if there is a foul in stoppage of a fight but not to review the knockdown calls made by the referee.

The NAC has decided to adopt the instant replay rule amid concern over rising cases of illegal blows in MMA fights that were not seen by the referee.

Kizer cited the 2008 loss of MMA fighter Anthony Johnson to Kevin Burns in their Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight match where the latter was awarded a technical knockout win.

Video replays, however, showed Burns poked Johnson in the eye but was not seen by the referee.

The National Hockey League, National Football League, Canadian Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball are using the instant replay rule.