LOS ANGELES - Juan Manuel Marquez says his future depends on the decision of his family as talks continue to swirl that a fifth fight between him and Manny Pacquiao is being eyed to take place in September 2013.
Marquez told Record, a sports paper in Mexico, that he would convince his wife Erika to allow him to continue fighting as he feels strong and rejuvenated after scoring the biggest win of his illustrious career last Dec. 8 - a sixth-round knockout of the Filipino at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
"I wish my wife would give the green light (permission) to continue boxing and seek a fifth world title," said the 39-year-old Marquez. "I am trying to convince her."
Marquez had apparently promised his wife that the fourth fight with Pacquiao would be the last but owing to his sensational showing, a performance that sent shockwaves around the world, he is being requested to fight one more time.
Mexico's leading promoter, Fernando Beltran, expressed optimism that Marquez won't hang up his gloves.
"His family has the final say but it all depends on how Marquez feels right now," Beltran told the same paper.
Marquez is relaxing and spending quality time with his family after being honored like a conquering hero following his victory over the Filipino icon.
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said he will confer with the teams of Pacquiao and Marquez next year, giving the two the chance to celebrate the holidays.
Marquez has also expressed his interest in facing Pacquiao for the fifth time, according to his conditioning coach Angel Heredia.
Pacquiao is also keen on that fight, an event that should bring bigger bucks, as he has consulted with medical experts in the Philippines.
Doctors in the Philippines have given Pacquiao, who just turned 34, a clean bill of health after undergoing an MRI. After the Marquez fight, Pacquiao also took a brain scan in Las Vegas and was cleared.
Still, Arum said Pacquiao has to be re-tested here before negotiations could start.
The Clevelend Clinic, a brain center in Las Vegas, is being considered to examine Pacquiao.
Pacquiao's team, headed by Mike Koncz, said a fifth fight can be made but for it to happen, Marquez has to be realistic.
