Las Vegas Plastic Surgery
A Plastic Surgeon’s Perspective on the Third Bout Between Pacquiao and Marquez in Las Vegas
As many of my patients, friends and blog readers know, I am a huge fan of professional boxing. As a long-time Las Vegas resident I have had the opportunity to attend a number of amazing fights, and as a physician I have been blessed with the privilege and honor to offer my medical expertise at many Las Vegas bouts as a post-fight plastic surgeon. I primarily tend to fighters associated with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing. It truly has been a dream come true to combine my passion for boxing with my professional experience as a plastic surgeon. I have been fortunate with every opportunity I have had, as the fighters I have worked on have all been true champions. Manny Pacquaio and Juan Manuel Marquez, the two men who will collide in the ring Saturday, November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, are excellent examples of real champions who have achieved the peak of fitness and both mental and physical preparation.
This is the third confrontation for these pugilists. The previous two bouts have been excellent fights with amazing demonstrations of skill and perseverance. The decisions were very close calls; the first ending in a controversial draw, (despite Marquez being knocked down three times in the first round), and the second a split decision favoring Pacquiao. Following the decision in Pacquiao vs. Marquez II, I was called upon to treat the wounds of Manny Pacquiao. Marquez was attended to by the late Dr. Frank Ryan. The fact that both men had to be sewn up after the second fight by plastic surgeons should serve to underscore the intensity of the upcoming contest.
Juan Manuel Marquez, a former champion and veteran fighter, insists that he won the previous two encounters. Indeed, he even wore a T-shirt to that effect, which read “I beat Pacquiao Twice” on multiple occasions, including a promotional tour stop in Manila, where Pacquiao has a large fan base. Marquez believes the judges’ decisions have cost him to of the biggest fights in his career. He has been training hard for this defining moment in his career. He believes that this will be the time that he prevails and takes his rightful place as the top super featherweight champion.
The second pugilist takes exception to Marquez’s viewpoint. Manny Pacquiao believes that he won the previous two encounters, and the ringside judges agreed. Manny has kept any comments on the subject to himself. His trainer, arguably the best in the boxing business, Freddie Roach, has been more vocal and publicly stated that Marqzuez’s actions were a “slap in the face of Pacquiao.” Roach went on to say that Manny is “extra motivated” for this fight. He wants to see Manny win by KO, so as to eliminate any doubt about who the real champion is.
Filipino Congressman Manny Pacquiao already is a true octuple champion with a record eight titles in eight different weight classes. His boxing skills continue to progress. Pacquiao’s power continues to increase as he ascends in weight class. Going up in weight has clearly not impacted his signature speed. Roach and, conditioning coach Alex Ariza, seem to have found a devastating formula.
The interest in this fight has been overwhelming. The promotional tour for the contest garnered over 30,000 fans attending a press conference in Mexico, and over 80,000 in the Philippines. Overall, most would agree, the advantage has to go to Pacquiao, as he has steadily improved his craft as a professional boxer. That being said, Marquez is a seasoned veteran. He is crafty, well prepared, and ready for the fight of his career. If the past is any indication, we have a serious contender for the fight of the year on our hands.
I hope that no one will need the services of a plastic surgeon after the fight.
Best wishes to both fighters. I can’t wait for Saturday night’s bell…
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(702) 450-0777www.jjrothmd.com
