Sunday, April 20, 2014

Roach eyes Marquez or Mayweather next


MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach can only think of two names when asked about Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent.

They are the old, familiar names: Juan Manuel Marquez and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Marquez has fought Pacquiao four times but may consider a fifth fight.

Mayweather, on the other hand, still can’t make one fight with Pacquiao happen.

But Roach isn’t closing the door on anything.

Pacquiao returned home on Good Friday and took the next available flight to General Santos City to be with his pregnant wife and their four kids.

After he defeated Tim Bradley in a rematch, Roach was asked what or who should be next for Pacquiao.

“Marquez is a big fight for us,” he said of the 40-year-old Mexican, who knocked Pacquiao out the last time they were inside the ring in December 2012.

“If Marquez likes it I want that fight,” said Roach.

“And if Mayweather is interested, we’d fight him, too,” added Pacquiao’s trainer.

Pacquiao said his line is open 24/7 and all he’s waiting for is a call from Mayweather, the American idol.

Mayweather is set to face Marcos Maidana on May 3 at the MGM in Las Vegas while Marquez will be up against Mike Alvarado on May 17 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Mayweather is tipped to beat Maidana even before they climb the ring while Marquez will be hard pressed against Alvarado.

Marquez lost to Bradley on points in October last year, and his coming fight should weigh heavily on his future plans as a boxer.

If he beats Alvarado, he can ask for the moon for a fifth fight with Pacquiao.

Marquez is not looking ahead of Alvarado. He spoke to Fight Hype a couple days ago, and said he’s not thinking of Pacquiao at the moment.

Marquez sounded like he’s even pushing for Pacquiao vs Mayweather.

“I already have four fights with Pacquiao and a lot of people would prefer to see these two rivals in the ring. I think if we voted on what fight people want to see I’m sure they’d want to see Pacquiao vs Mayweather,” he said.

“There’s talk of a fifth fight but I do not lose sleep. I am preparing to fight against Alvarado and the other (fight) doesn’t interest me,” Marquez added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com