Marquez still studying his options
The ball now in his hands, Juan Manuel Marquez is now deciding whether he will get back in the ring with Manny Pacquiao, or move on and fight someone else.
In an article written by Miguel Rivera of boxingscene.com, Marquez and co-promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank recently sat down in Mexico to discuss the details of another match with Pacquiao while suggesting a handful of possible opponents.
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Convinced he got the shorter end of their previous three meetings, Marquez finally gained some sort of vindication in their fourth battle with Pacquiao last December in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, sending the Filipino ring icon out cold with a vicious right punch at the end of the sixth round.
Now 39 years old, Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs) has said recently that there’s no need for another duel with Pacquiao and was presented with “alternative opportunities” by Arum.
“I spoke with him. The fifth fight against Pacquiao is being contemplated, but there are other names that we presented to him. I know that Marquez wants to fight Manny Pacquiao, but we need to discuss it further,” Arum was quoted as saying by Rivera.
Among those being strongly considered as Marquez’s next foe is reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, who also beat Pacquiao last May, along with Ruslan Provodnikov, Brandon Rios, Mike Alvarado II and even undefeated Jessie Vargas.
Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions, who co-promotes Marquez, admitted only Pacquiao can satisfy the need of the Mexican warrior, specifically financially-wise.
“I believe he (Marquez) deserves (at least $10 million or more). We have to make a decision by April (on his next fight) and then we'll make the announcement on who he will fight in September. However, putting Marquez and Pacquiao together is the only combination that produces an attractive financial figure for Juan Manuel,” Beltran was quoted as saying by Rivera in another article.
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In case the Marquez-Pacquiao V fails to come into fruition, Beltran is willing to immediately arrange a bout for “El Dinamita” that will serve as a treat for their Mexican compatriots.
“If he does not choose to face Pacquiao again, then we'll look for another fight. The only thing that I am sure of right now is that he will fight again. Mexicans deserve to see him in the ring again, because he is our hero and our idol,” Beltran was quoted as saying by Rivera.
“Marquez is one of the smartest fighters that our country has produced. 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.
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