By Brian Campbell
ESPN.com
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Deep inside, there's likely a part of all of us that's involuntarily rooting for Juan Manuel Marquez to finally record a long-awaited victory over Manny Pacquiao in their fourth fight on Saturday.

It would only be fair, really, after Marquez was dealt such an unlucky hand going 0-2-1 despite three sensational performances against one of the greatest fighters of the modern era in the past eight years.

But if you're looking to handicap their fourth fight based on prior performances against each other, the only fight in the series that's applicable at this point is last year's meeting, their third. And even though Marquez exceeded expectations with an inspired performance at a catchweight of 144 pounds -- deserving better than the majority decision defeat he received -- there were telling clues hidden beneath the surface concerning how a fourth fight might play out.

The argument for a Marquez victory last November was built mainly upon his clean and heavy counterpunching in the first six rounds, when Pacquiao, almost exclusively the aggressor throughout the rivalry, was unsuccessful in the execution of his game plan to simply counter the counterpuncher.

But when Pacquiao, who later admitted to having overlooked Marquez heading into the fight, made the tactical adjustment in the seventh round to step up his activity level and go back on the offensive, the tenor of the fight began to change in his favor.

It's no secret that Pacquiao has been at his best in this series when taking the lead and getting off first -- a style that produced a total of four knockdowns in their first two bouts, saving Pacquiao both times on the scorecards. Considering that he and trainer Freddie Roach have predicted a return of the PacMan of old, it's a strategy that will only benefit Pacquiao in the face of judges who have historically rewarded his activity and advantages in punching power throughout the closer rounds in the rivalry.

Marquez was partially criticized for taking his foot off the gas late in their third fight, allowing Pacquiao to complete a spirited rally by stealing a series of close rounds. But it just as easily could have been fatigue from a fighter who, just shy of 40, emptied the tank completely for one final stand at the highest level.

There's no doubt that Pacquiao, at 33, is the fresher fighter. It also can't be overstated just how unprepared for the third fight Pacquiao was, with his marriage on the rocks after an admittedly tumultuous and distracted training camp. Not to mention, lost in his robbery defeat against Timothy Bradley Jr. in June was a thorough domination by Pacquiao of a young, tough and unbeaten fighter.

Agreeing to a fourth fight with Marquez could be seen as mostly a money grab for Team Pacquiao, but it's also a chance to finally put to rest the doubts lingering over his 2-0-1 record in the first three bouts -- something that means more to the Filipino icon than is adequately reported or, for that matter, believed.

Marquez is too proud and too tough to see his final chance at defeating Pacquiao end in a knockout defeat, as Roach has predicted. But in his own way, the old warrior will go out on his shield just the same, losing a decision that, for the first time in the rivalry, will come without dispute or controversy.