Despite getting called out by Ruslan Provodnikov via Twitter and through the media, Juan Manuel Marquez is instead considering fighting again in May in Mexico City and then await to see what happens in the April rematch between Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao.
Marquez told ESPNDeportes that if there is no chance of fighting again for the welterweight title (for which he failed to win against Mayweather and Bradley), he would retire.
?Provodnikov is a great fighter , he demonstrated that with Bradley, and he?s very strong, I think the challenge is there, and I love challenges and will fight anyone, as I have not shunned anyone, but right now at this stage of my career I want something that will leave a legacy ? I want that fifth championship, if that does not present itself, then I?m closer to retirement.
?Fighting with Provodnikov would not gain me anything. I would be fighting for a title that was already mine before and if I beat him, it won?t mean much. I want a transcending fight, something that will be historic,? added Marquez.
Marquez said that he wants to stay active and that if he decides to continue with his career, he would look to fight in May and then see if the Pacquiao-Bradley winner would be available.
Should no welterweight title shot be available, Marquez says his May fight would likely be his last.
Commenting on his loss to Bradley, Marquez said it was a close fight and doesn?t see it as a loss.
?With Bradley, I don?t see that [fight] as a loss, it was a close fight and I thought I did enough to win. If I decided to retire right now, I would be satisfied. I always said I wanted to fight Pacquiao and beat him and I did. I do want that [welterweight] title, but I?m not obsessed with it, though it would be a great achievement,? said Marquez.
