Last week BoxingScene.com ran an article with trainer Nacho Beristain, who said Mexican star Juan Manuel Marquez is more interested in facing Brandon Rios than taking part in a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao. Rios’ trainer, Robert Garcia, says his fighter would love to get the opportunity to face Marquez.
At the moment Rios (31-0-1, 23KOs) is preparing for a very hard rematch with Mike Alvarado, scheduled for March 30th at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. If Rios comes through, Garcia feels there is certainly enough time to hold a training camp for a September fight with Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs).
Top Rank’s CEO Bob Arum, who promotes both Rios and Marquez, says the Mexican star is making these type of comments as a tactic to negotiate the best financial deal for a fifth fight with Pacquiao in the fall.
“Nacho and Marquez are in a position to choose their opponent, and Juan Manuel says that he wants to fight with Brandon. It’s a fight that can happen without major problems, since both of them are with the same promoter [Top Rank]. A fight between Marquez and Rios would draw more attention than [Marquez facing] someone like [Tim] Bradley, by far. Nacho is right, because [Brandon’s style] suits them, and it’s not only about styles, but also about business. The fans would be very interested to see Marquez vs. Rios,” Garcia said to La Presa.
