Thursday, August 29, 2013

Marquez hints at retirement after Bradley fight


MANILA, Philippines – Mexican fighter Juan Manuel Marquez maintained that he isn’t inclined to a fifth fight with his Filipino rival Manny Pacquiao as he mulls his future after his title fight with Timothy Bradley this October.

“There are no plans [to fight after Bradley],” Marquez said in Bad Left Hook.

“We'll leave this commitment first, and then see. First I want to see how I feel and if I plan continue with my career."

The 40-year-old said the reason he accepted the October 12 bout is because Bradley’ WBO welterweight title is at stake and that he wants to become Mexico’s first five-division world champion.

With regards to Pacquiao, the Mexican said he would rather enjoy his knockout victory against the Filipino boxer than accept another rematch.

"I'd rather stay with the memory of that 'lucky punch' that I connected on Pacquiao. It's about pride and honor, not money,” he said.

Marquez made the statement before the WBO’s announcement that it may order a rematch between the two fighters.

WBO president Paco Valcarcel said if Pacquiao and Marquez hurdle their respective opponents, then a fifth bout is possible.

“If Marquez and Pacquiao both win, the World Boxing Organization regulations would view the Filipino as the challenger to Juan Manuel,” WBO president Francisco Valcarcel told Boxing Scene.com.

Pacquiao is set for a comeback fight against Brandon Rios in November this year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com