Casual Talk from HOLLYWOOD, California – Nights were worst. On May 8, 2004, Juan Manuel Marquez was down three times in the first round from the vicious attacks by the one-dimensional
fighter from the Land of Promise of the southern part of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao. And on March 15, 2008, Marquez lost the use of his powerful hands to snatch the favor from Pacquiao who won in their second encounter via a split decision. Some would still say Marquez must have won that night. Others rather say Pacquiao just made it through because of that one differential factor: Marquez being knocked down with a clean short left in round 2. Otherwise, the fight could have been a draw, if not Marquez could have taken the night. Even then, that night of frenzy was held hostaged until today.
Regardless of their level of competitiveness, most boxing fans and aficionados alike and even quasi ones, still demand for their third match.
Now that Marquez has declared himself as free agent, Top Rank Godfather Robert “Bob” Arum would not hesitate to sit down with the Chilango (being from Mexico City). No official statement is declared as of this press time from Top Rank official(s). But, initial report has it that both parties are egging to set a date for a sure concession.
Marquez, who will turn 38 by August, says he has no problem fighting Pacquiao even at a much higher weight class.
“I will fight at any weight class, even higher than lightweight, if my opponent is Manny Pacquiao,” says Marquez during a brief encounter in Los Angeles. “Boxing fans still want to see a bigger fight between me and Pacquiao.”
“Pacquiao is a great fighter. But, I believe he could only prove that if he’ll win over me. Wherever I go, boxing fans say “Juan, you clearly won those two fights with Pacquiao,” Marquez asserts.
Marquez makes no prediction of the outcome on the May 7 fight between Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley.
“Mosley can improve a lot against Pacquiao. But, Pacquiao is quicker and stronger,” Marquez says.
“Regardless of the outcome of their fight, I am hoping to fight Pacquiao next.”
Marquez makes no prediction of the outcome for the May 7 fight between Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley.
“Mosley can improve a lot against Pacquiao. But, Pacquiao is quicker and stronger,” Marquez says.
“Regardless of the outcome of their fight, I am hoping to fight Pacquiao next.”
