Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaeffer said reigning WBC super-featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico is willing to move up to the lightweight division just to get a rematch with Pacquiao.
According to boxingtalk.com, Marquez, 33 years old and not getting any younger, ?is willing and able to solidify his rematch? with Pacquiao at the 135-lb division where a couple more fighters are waiting for the Pinoy icon.
Marquez has been aching for a rematch with Pacquiao and settle an old score almost three years after they figured in a very controversial draw in Las Vegas. But the rematch, for so many reasons, has yet to come.
And unless he moves up to 135 lbs, it may never come as Pacquiao, according to his trainer Freddie Roach, has been seriously considering moving up from super-featherweight to lightweight.
Pacquiao has neither confirmed nor denied anything concerning his next move.
?My next fight is in March next year but we don?t know the exact date yet. A lot of boxers are calling my name and I?m just waiting for the confirmation on who should I face next,? said Pacquiao.
?Right now, negotiations are ongoing,? he said.
Certainly, part of these negotiations is a fight with WBC lightweight champion David Diaz and WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight champion Juan Diaz. These two Diazes, like Marquez, need Pacquiao.
The only difference, however, is that David is under Top Rank like Pacquiao, while Juan is under Don King. Holding a fight between David Diaz and Pacquiao should be easier for Bob Arum, and both boxers.
And David likes what he?s been hearing.
?Awesome. It?s a great fight that the people will love. I think our styles compliment each other and it would be a terrific fight. I?m really happy that he would want to come up and challenge a fighter like me,? he also told boxingtalk.com.
?This is the first I?m hearing of it. I heard rumors. That was all,? he said.
David said Pacquiao can handle the lightweight class.
?He?s going to bring his power and his speed with him. He looked pretty good against Barrera and from what I?m hearing he weighed like 144 the night of the fight so he?s going to come up pretty good,? he said.
And his chances just in case he gets to fight Pacquiao?
?I guess we?re going to have to meet in the middle of the ring and see which one backs off. (I?d push) him back. I don?t think he could fight going backwards, so my thing would be always going forward.?
