Former four division world champion and future hall of famer Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KOs) wants to become a five division champion.
In October, Marquez dropped a close split decision to WBO Welterweight Champion Tim Bradley, failing in his quest to a win a fifth world title.
But as the old adage says: If you don’t succeed at first, try try again.
If Manny Pacquiao opts to face Bradley in April, the current WBO welterweight champion will not be available anytime soon. And if Bradley loses his title to Manny, Team Marquez will be forced to evaluate other options.
Newly-crowned WBO Jr Welterweight Champion Ruslan Provodnikov is one fighter who’ll be happy to accommodate Marquez. However, the Mexican has no interest in fighting the Russian who owns a title at 140 lbs but not 147.
“My career is all about challenges. Right now the challenge [for my career] is to get a fifth title. And if can not get a [fight for] the title under the World Boxing Organization (WBO), there are others,” Marquez told BoxingScene.
“I have to see the possibilities and if the opportunity opens – why not go get it. There is the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA), and the World Boxing Council (WBC),” said Marquez.
Also, title nor no title, Marquez is hellbent on not giving Pacquiao a rematch.
When confronted about a fifth possible showdown with Manny Pacquiao, Marquez told BoxingScene last month:
“[The win over Pacquiao] is and always will be an unforgettable moment for me, for the fans.”
“That is precisely why I think there is no point in a fifth fight although the promoters are pushing [for it].”
“I already did what I had to do by ending the fourth fight like that and that was the perfect ending. I want the people to keep the pride [of that win] and that feeling for life.”
So who are the other welterweight champions? Floyd Mayweather – WBC Marcos Maidana – WBA Shawn Porter – IBF Given Mayweather thoroughly dominated Marquez in 2009, it’s unlikely Mayweather vs Marquez II will happen.
Maidana is rematching Adrien Broner in April and it’s not yet clear what’s next for Shawn Porter.
Should Juan Manuel Marquez fight the winner of Maidana vs Broner II? If so, can he overcome any political/promotional hurdles that may lie ahead?
