Arum meets with Marquez, promoter – report

MANILA, Philippines – Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum reportedly met with Mexican champion Juan Manuel Marquez and Zanfer Promotions boss Fernando Beltran regarding a potential fifth fight between “Dinamita” and his Filipino rival Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

Boxing Scene cited Jose Luis Camarillo and Miguel Rivera, who reported that Arum met with Marquez and Beltran in Mexico.

“We’ll discuss things with Juan Manuel for his next fight,” Arum said. “I agree that for this year, a fifth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Marquez is a priority.”

“There is the possibility (of holding the fight in) Macau or in the Mexico City Arena,” he added.
Marquez defeated Pacquiao for the first time in their long saga last December, when he knocked out the Filipino idol with one second to go in the sixth round.

Though he considered hanging up his gloves following his sensational win, Marquez opted to continue his boxing career. Recently however, “Dinamita” said he is not keen on fighting Pacquiao for a fifth time.

“Juan Manuel understands the business of boxing,” said Arum, who has previously claimed that Marquez was only "negotiating" when he made his statement.

“A boxer is worth what he produces, and of course if there is a big fight in store for him, he is going to make a lot of money,” he added.

Arum did admit that it is possible for Pacquiao and Marquez to face other opponents, including unbeaten Americans Timothy Bradley Jr. and Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.

The Top Rank boss also guaranteed that if Marquez fights Pacquiao for a fifth time, the Mexican stands to receive the biggest purse of his career.

“The only thing that I can say is it will be better than what it was in December,” Arum said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Arum assures Marquez of bigger pay in 5th Pacman bout

MANILA – Boxing promoter Bob Arum assured Juan Manuel Marquez that he will be paid handsomely should he agree to a fifth clash with Manny Pacquiao.

Marquez reportedly got a guaranteed $6 million in his December fight against Pacquiao, which he won via a stunning sixth-round knockout.

"Marquez made his career-high pay day the last time, and he knocked out Pacquiao, so he's not going to get less than he got the last time," said Arum in RingTV.

Despite rumors that he’s likely to go on fighting, the 39-year-old Marquez has yet to formally announce if he’ll continue his boxing career after conquering Pacquiao.

This fueled speculations that Marquez is withholding his decision to raise his stock.

But Arum believes otherwise.

He pointed out that Marquez is already financially secure, and that the purse won’t be an issue in a fifth Pacquiao fight.

"That's not a negotiating ploy. If you're Marquez, and he's a real proud guy who, unlike a lot of fighters, saved his money. So, he's got a university degree in accounting,” said the Top Rank CEO.

Marquez's trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, earlier, said that a “rich prince” has offered Marquez $15-million to fight South African boxer Zolani Marali in Dubai.

But Beristain admitted that the fight is unlikely to take place since Top Rank and Zanfer Promotions have the inside track in staging Marquez’s next fight.
 
source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao fans gird for Marquez clash

MANILA, Philippines - Two days to go before the blockbuster fourth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez and even the fans of the Pacman here and abroad are ready to rumble.

In his home province of Sarangani, preparations are underway for the live viewing of thousands at their gym as they already gave away tickets for the event.

“Suportado talaga namin si Pacquiao, sir. Magaling siya!” said Pacquiao supporter Marvin Dagame.

“Mananalo si Pacquiao dahil magaling ‘yan, mana-knockout niya si Marquez,” said Jerome Abansado, another Pacquiao fan.

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, the odds are not as big ,but they still favor the Pacman.

A $290 bet for Pacquiao will net a bettor $100 if he wins while a $100 bet for Marquez gets $230 if the Mexican wins.

“Tataya ako kalahati ng sweldo ko ay itataya ko kay pacquiao, Pacquiao go go go," said one Pinoy bettor in the US.

"We love Pacquiao so much. Everytime may laban si Pacquiao dito sa Vegas we have a party," said Las Vegas resident Divina Averilla.

For veteran boxing analysts, the fight should not, and likely will not last long.

“What Pacquiao can do I think is win by TKO, cut this guy up so badly that [referee Kenny] Bayless will stop the fight,” said local ring commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz. “The nice thing about him is that the fire within him has rekindled.”

“Si Manny should win via TKO or KO in the 7th round, kasi kung magde-decision pa ‘yan delikado pa si Manny,” boxing analyst Recah Trinidad, said for his part.

“Atsaka dapat wala na syang injury sa calf nya, ‘di na dapat magka-cramps.”

Expert or simple boxing fan, by now most everyone agrees the sport needs this 4th and likely final installment of one of the greatest rivalries in boxing history to finally determine who is truly the better man in the ring. – TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News; Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao to earn $25M in 4th Marquez bout

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is expected to earn at least $25 million in his fourth ring collision with his Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez, according to Top Rank president Todd duBoef.

If the pay-per-view breaches the 1.3 million mark set by Pacquiao-Marquez III last year, then Pacquiao’s earnings could reach $30 million, DuBoef said.

Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer said Pacquiao has a guaranteed purse of $8.595 million for Saturday’s bout, while Marquez has $3 million.

But duBoef told Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole that the biggest share of earnings will come from the pay-per-view sales and foreign television money.

Based on recent trends, the Top Rank executive said Pacquiao remains one of the biggest pay-per-view stars in boxing.

"We're getting more of the bars and restaurants, the chains, the Hooters, the Buffalo Wild Wings, places like that, buying the fight," duBoef said. "If [interest in Pacquiao is decreasing], I am not seeing it."

Pacquiao, who is due to fight Marquez on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), is the second highest paid athlete according to Forbes with earnings of $62 million.

His biggest rival, Floyd Mayweather, is on top of the list with $85 million in earnings.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez' motivation all about vindication in the ring

LAS VEGAS - Juan Manuel Marquez's sole motivation for Saturday's non-title welterweight clash with arch-rival Manny Pacquiao is the prospect of finally being able to celebrate victory over the Filipino in the ring, the Mexican said on Wednesday.

"I want them (his corner) to raise my hand (in triumph)," Marquez told reporters at the MGM Grand after the two fighters appeared for their final pre-bout news conference.

Marquez has fought Pacquiao three times, most recently 13 months ago in the same MGM Grand ring where they will meet on Saturday, but on none of those occasions has he been declared the winner.

Officially, the tally stands at two Pacquiao wins and one draw, though many fans and boxing writers believe Marquez could legitimately have won all three encounters.

"People tell me, 'You really beat him', in the last three fights," said Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs), a three-division world champion. "A lot of people feel I beat him.

"But I want to have my hand raised. I want the judges to really look at what they're doing and get it right this time."

When the fighters last met, Pacquiao narrowly retained his WBO welterweight title with a controversial majority decision and boos from disgruntled Marquez fans echoed around the arena after the shock decision was announced.

For his part, Pacquiao appears to be growing increasingly frustrated by the Mexican's insistence that he was the deserved winner of their previous three contests, particularly because of the counter-punching style favoured by Marquez.

"He always claims he won the fights," said Pacquiao (54-4, 38 KOs) who has won world titles in eight weight divisions. "So he needs to prove something.

"You cannot say, 'Yes I won the fight' when you are always backing off. It's contradictory. If you're claiming you won the fight, then you have to press the action."

FOUR-FIGHT RIVALRY

The four-fight rivalry between the two boxers almost failed to last one round. Pacquiao knocked down Marquez three times in the opening round of their first encounter in 2004, but the Mexican rallied to outbox his opponent and eke out a draw.

In their second meeting four years later, Pacquiao knocked down Marquez in the third round, which proved the difference after he won a close split decision.

Their third bout was adjudged a majority decision victory for the Filipino southpaw, despite Pacquiao's surprisingly unimpressive display.

"I thought Manny won that fight," Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said on Wednesday. "But the booing was very loud and very vocal.

"Someone said, 'Why aren't you smiling? You won the fight'. And I said, 'It's very hard to smile when you're being booed that bad'."

Pacquiao acknowledged that his series of fights with Marquez had been the defining rivalry of his career.

"When you say 'Muhammad Ali', you think 'Joe Frazier'," the Filipino said. "And I think when you say 'Manny Pacquiao', you think 'Juan Manuel Marquez'. And when you say 'Marquez', you think 'Manny Pacquiao'."

But neither man is expecting a fifth fight, whatever happens in the ring on Saturday. The fourth bout, they insist, will be the last.

"This is the last fight with Manny," said Marquez. "I don't know what will happen in the ring, but this is the last time."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao, Marquez in chance meeting at track

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The weather is chilly in Las Vegas but the Pacquiao-Marquez IV match up is a hot topic in the world’s boxing capital.

Fans came early to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) track to see Manny Pacquiao’s morning workout.



Pacquiao did over 10 laps around the oval, starting steady but finishing fast. His shadow boxing routine also showed incredible hand speed.

But the track scene got more interesting as Juan Manuel Marquez and his team suddenly walked in.

Marquez also did his rounds and continued on to do ladder foot drills for speed and a variety of plyometric exercises.

Pacquiao and Marquez were quite cool about their chance meeting at the track

“Trabaho naman ito, walang personalan... Para sa bansa naman ito,” said the Filipino boxer.

Meanwhile, the Pacman was very relaxed for his grand arrival at the MGM Grand.

The lobby came alive as fans crowded the makeshift ring.




 Marquez was first to make his entrance; his loyal Mexican fans were thrilled.

The crowd got thicker as the Pinoy superstar turned up. Fans crowded and pushed to get their best shots.

Pacquiao smiled and waved thankful for the warm welcome

“So many people calling me asking for tickets...we have no more,” said Top Rank Inc. CEO Bob Arum.

But the day wasn’t over for Pacquiao, who then worked out hard at the Top Rank Gym, practing his angles.

Pacquiao's punches were like a rapid fire machine gun -- non-stop and powerful. He was hitting so hard coach Freddie Roach’s mitts flew out.

Pacquiao and Marquez both plan to be ultra-aggressive, and if the opportunity comes, go for the knockout given their three previous fights.

Fans are anticipating the fourth clash to be the most explosive of them all.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Marquez wants 'strong victory' over Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez promised that he will be the stronger, more explosive fighter when he trades punches with Manny Pacquiao this December.

The Mexican showed off his ripped physique during an open work out at the Romanza Gym in Mexico as he promised to bring the fight to Pacquiao when they clash for the fourth time in Las Vegas.

"We've done a lot of preparation, and we know Pacquiao, how to fight him and how to win," Marquez said in a report by RingTV’s Lem Satterfield.

Marquez promised that he will step in the ring in very good shape, even better than his conditioning in 2011 when he nearly outpunched Pacquiao.

The Mexican maintained that he’ll be going for a knockout to prove that he’s a better fighter than the Filipino superstar.

"I'll be faster, more explosive and more aggressive," said Marquez. "I will be much better than a year ago. Pacquiao can say whatever he wants. I'm prepared to knock him out...and offer another great fight to pubic."

Despite holding a record of zero wins, two losses and one draw in his previous meetings with Pacquiao, Marquez claimed that he has already beaten the Filipino thrice.

"I am convinced that we were superior in the past, but the judges have said otherwise. Now we are on our way to a victory that leaves no doubt. A strong victory,” said Marquez.

“We are on the way to a knockout to make clear, once and for all, who is better."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

'Marquez needs to take risks vs Pacquiao'

MANILA, Philippines – If Juan Manuel Marquez wants a clear-cut win against Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, he should learn to take risks, said veteran boxing commentator Larry Merchant.

Pacquiao and Marquez will go at it again on December 8 and Merchant believes that the outcome will depend in the Mexican’s willingness to stand in front the Filipino boxer.

“I don’t know whether he’s inclined to want to take the risk but that’s why they have the fight,” Merchant said as quoted by Bad Left Hook.


Pacquiao and Marquez already clashed in three close battles, with one ending in draw while the two other bouts won by the Filipino.

Marquez, however, maintained that he won all three fights and that the judges are just favoring Pacquiao.

With their fourth fight looming near, Merchant said the Mexican will have the chance to prove his claim.

“Should Marquez want to change his fortunes and not feel like he will get robbed, I think he needs to be more explosive and take those risks," he said.

The risks, said Merchant, entail the possibility of either getting knocked down or even knocked out by the power punching Pacquiao.

“He was knocked down 4 times in the first two fights,” cited the ring analyst.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Bradley trainer says Pacquiao-Marquez IV a business fight

MANILA, Philippines – Joel Diaz, the trainer of unbeaten American champion Timothy Bradley Jr., is still unhappy with Filipino boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s decision to reject a rematch with his boxer.

Bradley defeated Pacquiao last June via split decision, which was considered as among the most unpopular in the history of the sport. Most ringside observers had Pacquiao defeating Bradley by a wide margin.

Pacquiao could have exercised a rematch clause, but instead chose a fourth fight against Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

In an interview with Examiner, Diaz said that the Pacquiao-Marquez fight was “just another fight.”
“That fight was done right after the Pacquiao-Bradley fight. Good luck to both of them,” he said. “It’s just another fight.”

“I guess people want to see that fight. A lot of people think it’s a ridiculous fight,” Diaz added.

Diaz claimed that the "quadrilogy" was merely a business fight.

“Business-wise, it’s another fight for Pacquiao... It’s just another business fight for the promoters to make money,” he said.

Moreover, the trainer does not believe that Marquez will ever be able to earn a decision against Pacquiao.

“There’s no way Marquez will win that fight.... At the end of the day, Manny Pacquiao is the golden goose. He’s the one with the name,” Diaz said.

“The only way he would lose is if he would get knocked out by Marquez. Otherwise, he won’t win. What’s in the future for Marquez?” he added.

Diaz also remains convinced that Bradley deserves the victory against Pacquiao

“I saw Tim Bradley win that fight,” he said. “I told my corner, ‘We won this fight,’ because I felt that we won the fight. People see what they want to see. There are critics, I can’t change that.”

As for Bradley’s next fight, Diaz said he is still unsure of who they will fight but said his fighter will be ready for any opponent.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Nevada judges to officiate Pacquiao-Marquez 4

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez’s wish to have non-Nevada judges officiate his fourth clash against Manny Pacquiao won’t be granted, according to Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Keith Kizer.

Kizer told Philboxing’s Ronnie Nathanielsz that any of the recognized world boxing organizations such as the World Boxing Council, World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organization can recommend officials for consideration.

However, Kizer said the final decision is up to the NSAC.

The NSAC official added that that promoters “may also suggest and object” but that “they cannot reject” any official appointed by the commission.

Marquez earlier said he doesn’t want the NSAC putting in three American judges to officiate his December fight against Pacquiao.

"I will request that the judges for this fight will be composed of one Mexican judge, one Filipino and one neutral judge [from outside of Nevada],” the Mexican boxer told Boxing Scene.

Marquez insisted he won his first three bouts against Pacquiao, claiming that the Nevada judges ruled the last to fights in favor of the Filipino champion.

“[If they don't honor my request], then I'm going to fight as I did in my three previous fights -- before judges appointed by Nevada. This time I hope that my victory is not taken away,” the Mexican said.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao is no "Superman"

Manila, Philippines - The smoke has cleared and the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy is done and over with. Or is it?

To this day, people still stand divided on the outcome of the said bout, something that has already been justified in a scientific way but unaccepted by people who believe otherwise.

Many say that Saranggani Congressman Pacquiao was not deserving of the win, booed and seemingly a recipient of backlashes that have somehow tarnished his credibility.

Known experts have shared their sentiments. They say that he has slowed down and that he was outboxed by the 38 year old Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez.

Some claim there is a mafia going on, others say that is bad for boxing. But is Pacquiao really guilty of anything?

After the statistics were released, some sanity may have come out of it all. Pacquiao’s crime may only be that he vowed to beat up Marquez which technically he did as we could see in Marquez’ battered face when the bell rang.

Everyone was looking for a knockout, or even perhaps just a knockdown. It never happened. From the looks of it, one knockdown may have changed how people saw it.

Pacquiao said it straight that people cannot expect him to dominate all the time. Actually he does have a point considering that not all boxers have their shining moments in the sport.

Just look at Mike Tyson and "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler for example. They had their ups and downs, plus losses too right?

MB Online asked some experts on their thoughts. First up was renowned Boxing Anchorman and sportscaster Noel Zarate:

“At first, I was shocked that Manny won coz I had it at 115-113 for JMM. But looking back, there were a few rounds (3, 6, 7, 8, 12) that could have been coinflips. Plus when the compubox results came in, it showed Pacquiao ahead” said Noel.

“Now I believe that Manny won but not by much--even Roach was not satisfied, even Arum hinted at a 4th fight because this was even more controversial than the previous 2. Now I think this even did more good for Marquez because many will now view him as a robbed victor” he added.

“I believe pagnahimasmasan yan paguwi, he'll see it in this light. For Pacquiao, this not so convincing showing may even make Mayweather believe that he can defeat Pacquiao. So instead of viewing this now as a botched job by the judges, it may even work out well for those involved.”

For Hardball sports talk show host and sports analyst Mr. Boyet Sison:

“Unfortunately, the result had a lot of us unconvinced with the win, and the drama continues. Marquez showed what a brilliant fighter he is, and Pacquiao, though he won, was not the same fighter we all love to watch. For national pride, i'm happy, but for the sport of boxing, I am not.”

Last is Mr. Butch Maniego, a long-time figure in sports:

“I felt that as the defender, Marquez has to beat the champion, Manny Pacquiao, convincingly. failing that, the champ should keep his title. yes, Marquez boxed very well but not well enough”

Let’s take a look at the other side of the fence. Did Marquez knock down Pacquiao? Yes he did leave a nasty cut to Pacquiao’s eye but look at him. Wasn’t he banged up as well?

Pacquiao may not be at his fastest in this fight, with this one to which his camp revealed that the Filipino boxer was suffering from cramps.

People say that is seems weird that Pacquiao was making excuses but he is still human after all. Give him the benefit of the doubt if his leg cramped up.

Was Marquez robbed of a victory? Well statistics don’t lie and looking at it from another angle, judges did not rely solely on sound judgment and what they saw. To that they should be commended.

Yet despite all these points here and there, many are still unconvinced that Pacquiao won the match was fair and square which may eventually lead to a Pacquiao-Marquez IV.

Will this happen? It all depends though. For one, Marquez said that he might retire, or not. Everthing is still up in the air.

If not, many feel that this could all the more lead to a much awaited Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. Filipinos are waiting for Floyd to say his piece on the fight and perhaps lay down the cards for a much wanted fight.

To date, Floyd Jr. has been strangely quiet.

Then there is Tim Bradley as well who bared that he deserves a shot at Pacquiao.

But as per Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum priority is to give Marquez another crack at Pacquiao, that is if he still wants one.

Marquez deserves respect for sure. He showed it. However, beating a champion like Pacquiao may take more than boxing him for 12 rounds.

He is the challenger but if he was able to knock down Pacquiao even just once, then perhaps the outcome may be something truly controversial.

How about a draw?

Perhaps. But with statistic on punches, jabs and powerpunches to rely on, there is no question how the three judges came up with the supposed “controversial” decision.

It was not a typical Pacquiao fight but regardless, he still came out the winner.

Questionable? Then before we go to Mayweather, give Marquez one more chance to show fans who the clear victor really is then move forward.


Source: mb.com.ph