WBO to award Champion of the Decade belt to winner of Pacquiao-Marquez fourth fight

WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) President Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel will award a specially crafted belt designating the winner of the fourth fight between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican dynamite Juan Manuel Marquez as the WBO “Champion of the Decade.”

Valcarcel made the announcement on the boxing organization’s website, wboboxing.com. The coveted belt will be unveiled during the official weigh-in held one day before the fight.

Pacquiao and Marquez are both going for a more emphatic finish after three close and controversial contests.

Pacquiao and Marquez drew their first fight while the former won the second encounter via spilit decision. Pacquiao again emerged the winners in their third battle escaping with a majority decision victory.

The fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas will be on Sunday morning December 9 here in the Philippines. The adversaries have already arrived in the host city and were mobbed by members of the media and flag waving fans.

Pacquiao rode on his huge custom-painted bus shortly after the arrival of Marquez at the MGM Grand Hotel.

Pacquiao remains the betting favorite in Las Vegas. A $370 bet on the eight-division world champion would net $100, while a $100 bet on Marquez would earn $280.