MANILA, Philippines ? Boxing trainer Nacho Beristain said that if 8-division champ Manny Pacquiao really wants a competitive fight, then he should look no further than his prized fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
Beristain, who has molded Marquez to become one of the best counter-punchers today, said the world would love to see a third fight between the Mexican technician and the Filipino superstar.
?Juan Manuel and Pacquiao would be ideal because it?s what the fans want to see,? said the Mexican trainer in Examiner.com. ?People want to see that type of fight.?
Marquez, already a 3-time world champion, waged battle against Pacquiao twice with both fights ending in controversial fashion.
The first fight was in May 2004 when the match ended in a draw despite Pacquiao scoring 3 knockdowns over Marquez.
A rematch took place in March 2008 when the Filipino champion again decked the gutsy Mexican for a split decision.
Beristain said Marquez is the next best option for Pacquiao if the Filipino won?t get to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He said other available fighters just won?t make the cut for the fleet-footed Filipino.
?Shane Mosley, I respect him much. He?s a great fighter but now that?s he?s at his older age, I don?t think he could move as fast as he did during his younger stages,? said Beristain.
?As far as Andre Berto, he?s really not a fighter on Pacquiao?s level,? he added.
Beristain said Pacquiao will only have a legitimate challenge against a boxer in the mold of Marquez or Mayweather.
?I believe that a fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao would be a very agile fight because Pacquiao needs someone like Mayweather or Juan to break him down,? he said.
Marquez is currently preparing to defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight titles against Australian brawler Michael Katsidis.
The fight will take place this coming Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
