That was the consensus at least among patrons sitting at a raucous cantina eleven days ago on fight night in Mexico City. Yet in retrospect, all seemed resigned to the Filipino's victory. 

Why should a demi-god be dethroned in a close decision?

The word "dethrone" of course implies powers-that-be in the Boxing Commission, hotels, casinos... the gambling and entertainment czars; the producers and movers and shakers who fertilize the entire spectrum of Nevada state and beyond.

Can a man -- even in a "meritorious" capitalist haven such as Las Vegas - beat an ashes-to-prince miracle (in the Philippines, Pacquiao's nothing if not divine) who ka-chings millions of registers and draws in legions of ardent fans?

Can a fighter be robbed of the title because he's not a good draw?

Most Mexican spectators who watched the fight thought so. Nearly all of the writers on press row scored the fight in favor of Marquez, many by large margins.

So when the decision was announced, a crescendo of boos, cans and bottles rang down on the Vegas ring. 

Yet hardly anyone at the Mexico City bar seemed surprised.

As Pacquiao celebrated another victory and another huge payday, the Mexican revelers howled and shook their heads in disappointment... yet within minutes, they were back at their beers and conversations. 

To these patrons, "they" represent the oligarchs -- the telecom magnates, retail barons, building moguls, media tycoons and, of course, the political elite who rule the nation with impunity.

All knew the fight was rigged; there was no way short of a knockout that "they" would favor the Mexican. 

For the average "José", conspiracy and injustice are an integral part of life, as real as the table on which they place their drinks and the money needed each week to feed their families.

As Marquez later said: "It's hard when you're fighting your rival and three judges, too".

In sum, they barely blinked.