Contrary to claims that Mexican boxing idol Juan Manuel Marquez is walking away from a fifth fight with long-time foe Manny Pacquiao, promoters are feverishly setting up the stage for another thrilling fight in September. Pacquiao and Marquez have figured in four bruising encounters since they first met in the ring almost a decade ago in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2004, Marquez and Pacquiao fought to a controversial draw in a featherweight bout (126 pounds). Pacquiao would have won via a split decision if not for a scoring error committed by one of the judges, who scored a round at 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Pacquiao’s three knockdowns of Marquez. In 2008, at super featherweight (130 pounds), Marquez and Pacquiao clashed again in a hotly contested rematch in which Pacquiao earned a split-decision victory. Pacquiao’s third-round knockdown of Marquez must have influenced the decision of the judges, as they gave the winning score to the Filipino boxing star. Marquez protested, saying he was robbed of victory. In 2011, Pacquiao and Marquez fought for a third time at a catch weight of 144 pounds in which Marquez lost again via majority decision. Marquez protested, claiming he was again robbed of his victory for a third time. In 2012, Marquez surprised everyone with his stunning sixth round knockout win over the eight division champion. Pacquiao was ahead on judges’ scorecards when Marquez knocked him out seconds before the end of the sixth round. Here are some compelling reasons they will clash again for a fifth time. 1. In facing Pacquiao for a fifth time, Marquez will likely double his guaranteed prize in addition to his share in the pay-per-view revenue of the possible HBO weekend event. Marquez reportedly received $6 million for his fourth fight with Pacquiao last Dec. 8 and there are reports that he won’t settle for less than $10 million guaranteed prize. A fifth clash with Pacquiao is touted as his most lucrative fight ever and will give him the biggest purse of his boxing career. 2. Marquez, who is turning 40 in August, has a fair chance of scoring another win over Pacquiao to get the score even at 2-2. In most cases, a tie score leads to a deciding fight and in the case of the Marquez-Pacquiao rivalry, it serves as a justified clincher for a historic sixth fight. 3.Win or lose, Marquez, who is turning 40 in August, can retire comfortably for good. Aside from the expected windfall in a possible second win, Marquez would reap prestigious sports awards including a shot at boxing’s Hall of Fame. If he loses, Marquez can still retire with pride for having fought and won over the lone eight-division world champion and a former pound for pound king. Still, Marquez is expected to “play hard to get” in order to raise the ante for another blockbuster fight. But eventually, Marquez may succumb to the wishes of his handlers who likewise stand to gain from the huge revenues the fifth fight will bring, despite opposition from his wife who wants him to retire now.
