MANILA, Philippines – Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez is considering a fifth fight against rival Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, but “Dinamita” has several other options if he chooses to reject another fight against the Pacman.
In a Boxing Scene report, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed he spoke with Marquez during a visit to Mexico recently.
“I spoke with him. The fifth fight against Pacquiao is being contemplated, but there are other names that we presented to him,” Arum told Miguel Rivera.
Marquez, who stunned Pacquiao with a sixth-round knockout in their December 2012 encounter, has said in recent interviews that he sees no reason to face his rival for a fifth time.
Arum, however, believes the Mexican champion is only negotiating and has said that Marquez will likely receive a career-best purse if he chooses to fight Pacquiao again.
Among the fighters being considered as potential opponents for Marquez are: the winner of the welterweight clash between Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov; the winner of the rematch between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado; and unbeaten fighter Jessie Vargas.
Marquez’s co-promoter, Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, stressed that the final decision will be up to the boxer.
“Marquez is one of the smartest fighters that our country has produced,” he said. “He’s the boss, and he gives the orders.”
“I am respectful to his family, because they are giving him a chance to fight again. It’s not up to me to make a decision for or against a Manny Pacquiao fight. I can only provide my opinion if he asks me,” Beltran added.
If “Dinamita” rejects a fifth fight against Pacquiao, Beltran said they will look for another fight.
“The only thing I am sure of right now is that he will fight again,” the promoter said. “Mexicans deserve to see him in the ring again, because he is our hero and our idol.”
source: abs-cbnnews.com
