MANILA, Philippines - Whatever the reason is, Juan Manuel Marquez is now saying that there’s no reason for him to face Manny Pacquiao a fifth time.
“I think for me there is no point,†the 39-year-old Mexican, who scored a sensational knockout win over Pacquiao last December, told www.boxingscene.com.
It was the first time Marquez defeated Pacquiao after three previous meetings that resulted in a draw in 2004 and controversial decisions for the Filipino in 2008 and 2011.
His one-punch knockout of Pacquiao with just one second remaining in the sixth round is the type of victory which he felt should put a closure to the storied rivalry between the two.
“We already achieved the desired result? So why do it (again),†Marquez, one of the oldest active fighters in the sport, told Miguel Rivera of www.boxingscene.com.
Marquez’ promoter, Fernando Beltran, said they will look at all other options regarding a next fight, and reports said it may include a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
After his victory over Pacquiao, Marquez said it was his last fight, but after a month he decided to go on and continue fighting.
Many believed his decision not to retire was because he likes the idea of doing it one more time with Pacquiao.
Bob Arum of Top Rank said the rematch may take place in September. Pacquiao is open to the rematch as well as his trainer, Freddie Roach.
Marquez said that’s not the case.
“I asked several people, several friends around me and they told me not to do it, that there is no point for a fifth fight. I said before the fourth fight that no matter how this fight ends, there cannot be a fifth fight,†said Marquez.
Well, that’s what Pacquiao also said, but just days or weeks after the December knockout there were calls for another fight, and the people want to see the fight.
Marquez was guaranteed $6 million for the fourth fight, and Pacquiao $23 million. If they agree to do it one more time, the Mexican can easily get twice as much as before.
Marquez cannot get as much if he fights anyone else, not even Mayweather.
So, what went through Marquez’ mind for him to say he doesn’t want to fight Pacquiao another time?
It’s got to be the money even when others insist that it’s not.