Marquez and Casamayor will try to outduel each other for a chance at Pacquiao. LOS ANGELES ? Like two men vying for the attention of a young lady, Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez and Cuban Joel Casamayor are preparing to duke it out to settle the right to have a chance at a match against Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, of course, is no lady. Nor does an outcome between any of the two boxers guarantee a shot at Pacquiao, the newly crowned World Boxing Council Lightweight Champion and arguably pound-for-pound king.
But during the day when Golden Boy Promotions announced that Marquez would face off against Casamayor on September 13 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, both fighters kept their eyes on the bigger prize.
“Both guys want Pacquiao,” said Golden Boy Vice President and Matchmaker Eric Gomez to the Asian Journal.
Marquez, coming off a narrow defeat against the Filipino champion in March, said that Pacquiao?s people have been trying to avoid him.
“He knows I beat him,” said Marquez through a translator. “And I could beat him again. He doesn?t want to fight me.”
“Of course, naturally, I would love to fight Manny Pacquiao again,” he added. “It would be a great fight and I think I?m going to win this fight [against Casamayor]?the winner deserves a shot against Manny. If Manny wants to fight me I?m ready for it. If not it?s okay.”
Marquez was also not impressed by Pacquiao?s last performance, a scintillating knockout victory against the former WBC Champion David Diaz. Marquez said that Diaz was clearly outclassed against a far more superior boxer. He contends that he should have been the guy inside that ring last month.
“What you saw that night is Bob Arum sweeping the floor, clearing the way for Manny Pacquiao to become a champion in however many divisions,” he said. “David Diaz is not a quality level fighter to face a Manny Pacquiao but that?s the job that the promoter is doing. I know I deserved to be there but it didn?t happen.”
“I know Manny made more money with me in our fights than he did with David Diaz,” he added. “Manny knows where the money is.”
A possible re-match against Marquez is very unlikely. Given the close nature of each of their three fights, Pacquiao is looking to avoid another match up with the Mexican counterpuncher.
Which leaves, Casamayor. The Cuban captured the Ring Magazine Lightweight Championship title with a stellar knockout win against Australian tough man Michael Katsidis. The 37-year-old Casamayor also made it known that he wants Pacquiao next.
“Not only am I going to do what Marquez couldn?t do [beat Pacquiao],” said Casamayor through a translator. “But I?m going to do something to Marquez that Pacquiao couldn?t do. I?m going to knock Marquez out and that?s a guarantee. Pacquiao fought him for 24 rounds, knocked him down four times but I?m going to knock him out. Pacquiao is going to be scared to fight me and that?s the truth.”
“If Pacquiao wants to be a real star and get worldwide respect, he?s going to have to beat me,” he added. “I?m going to go for Marquez first and then I?m going for Pacquiao. Pacquiao?s a great fighter but there?s nowhere to run to after me.”
The verbal jabbing at Pacquiao make the Casamayor vs. Marquez match even more exciting to watch.
With the prospects high for each fighter, expect the two fighters to prepare well for their upcoming match for a chance at Pacquiao.
Gomez to the Philippines
Eric Gomez said he is flying to the Philippines next week to watch No. 1 Philippine undefeated boxing prospect Alex John Banal face off against Panamanian Rafael Concepcion for the vacant WBA Super Flyweight Title.
According to Gomez, if the 19-year-old Banal succeeds in capturing the title, Golden Boy would bring him to the US and probably showcase him in the undercard of the Marquez vs Casamayor bout.
“There?s a strong possibility that we?ll bring him over here if he captures the belt,” said Gomez.
Pac Man vs. The Golden Boy
It may still be a far-fetched idea, and the reason it?s not the top story but an Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao match up still might be an albeit slight possibility.
“It?s up to Manny,” said Gomez. “It?s Oscar?s last fight. He wants to fight someone that is recognized, someone with a big name, someone with star power like a Manny, and I think it really comes down to Manny.”
When asked about his thoughts, De La Hoya downplayed the idea saying that Pacquiao is one of several boxers he?s looking to end his career fighting against.
Other possible matches for the Golden Boy are Sergio Mora of the Contender TV fame, the winner of the Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito fight, and Pacquiao.
