It?s all about striking while the iron?s hot.
Consensus world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is shooting for a $1-million purse in his next fight, said his business manager Rod Nazario yesterday. And if the Home Box Office (HBO) cable TV network agrees to foot the bill, Nazario confirmed Pacquiao will face unified International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titlist Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico in late March or early April.
Nazario said nothing is final but sent word that Pacquiao is willing to listen to offers starting at $1 million, net of tax.
HBO has indicated interest in the Pacquiao-Marquez duel, added Nazario. If it pushes through, Pacquiao?s US agent Murad Muhammad will promote the fight, probably in Las Vegas.
Marquez? agent Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions is now talking terms with Muhammad. Arum has asked for a $400,000 purse for Marquez.
