Juan Manuel Marquez wants Manny Pacquiao and he’s willing to burn every bridge he has in order to get the third installment of the classic Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy.
Having just walked away from an easy payday against a very faded Erik Morales in April (and possibly away from current promoter, Golden Boy), the Mexican warrior has made it known that
there is only one fight on his mind and only one opponent that he wants to face.
Manny Pacquiao has dominated Marquez’s thoughts ever since the controversial decision was read at the end of his second bout with the Filipino Buzzsaw from General Santos City.
Aside from wanting the professional justification of avenging two losses that he feels were actually victories, the three-division world champ from Mexico City also wants the payday that comes along with battling Manny Pacquiao.
It’s no secret that Marquez was rumored to be financially broke as recently as pre-Mayweather bout and a Manny Pacquiao contest would surely had a significant amount to the champion’s retirement fund.
Also, because of promoter Bob Arum’s unwillingness to match his client, Pacquiao, against anyone not under the Top Rank banner, it’s clear that those who want a chance (and feel they have a chance) must consider jumping the promotional ship in order to be seriously considered for the mid-seven figure paycheck that would surely be on the table.
As a 37-year old warrior, Marquez also has to take into consideration that any further delay in signing a Pacquiao bout could be disastrous for his chances. Already at a disadvantage, if the bout is contested at 147 lbs., the victory would be even harder to imagine if Marquez were forced to wait another year or two while promotional disagreements are ironed out.
The question remains, though, whether Pacquiao, who has not been eager at all to even consider another fight with Marquez, would be willing to sign the third chapter of their pugilistic epic.
But Marquez is seemingly willing to play the odds. If he signs with Top Rank (as has been suggested), he will get put into an ever-shrinking group of opponents available to Pacquiao.
Assuming Pacquiao beats Mosley, the only viable opponents for Manny will be re-treads like Cotto or non-Top Rank rivals like Andre Berto or Timothy Bradley. Of that group, Juan Manuel Marquez is
the most logical choice of opponent based on past history and name recognition.
Even if the Pacquiao fight eludes him, Marquez would still be able to reap the benefits of a deep roster of Top Rank talent from 135-147, but make no mistake about it…Marquez wants Pacquiao in the worst way and, frankly, it would be an interesting fight, regardless of age or size at this point.
The last remaining question is whether Manny wants Marquez. And that’s a big question that has yet to be answered.
