Last week I reported that Bob Arum had make Juan Manuel Marquez another offer to fight Manny Pacquiao, and while Marquez has not looked at the details of the offer – the lightweight champion from Mexico City does not want to fight the Filipino as a full welterweight.
During a appearance on ESPN Deportes Golpe a Golpe news show, Marquez made very specific comments regarding the weight limit for a third fight against Pacquiao.
“The weight for a fight is a very delicate issue,” said Marquez. “I am sure we could find a catchweight, Pacquiao does not come in at a full 147 pounds for his welterweight fights.”
Speculators believe Pacquiao has outgrown Marquez, since their last battle in March, 2008 which was contested at the super featherweight limit of 130 pounds. Since then Pacquiao has weighed in for fights as high as 145 3/4 pounds for a fight against Joshua Clottey last year.
Pacquiao destructive path against men bigger than him – Clottey, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margario, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton – has been the smoking gun for critics that believe he will destroy Marquez in a welterweight showdown.
In his only appearance as a welterweight, Marquez was dominated by Floyd Mayweather – who tipped the scales at 146, a pound shy of the welterweight limit.
Marquez had no comments on Arum’s proposed deal, as he claims to not know the specifics – currently being on vacation with his family. But his mouthy promoter Oscar De La Hoya, has publicly stated that the five million dollar offier, which includes a share of pay per view revenues, is laughable.
A Pacquiao – Marquez bout has been speculated to take place in September or October of this year, but Marquez feels the need for a tune-up in between and would like to fight in Summer to remain active.
