Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. AP File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — What will it take for Juan Manuel Marquez to fight Manny Pacquiao again?
A cool $20 million, according to Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, in an interview with thesweetscience.com.
Roach said the Mexican legend’s unrealistic demand indicates his reluctance to tangle with Pacquiao for the fifth time on Nov. 23 in Macau.
Marquez’s previous highest purse was $6 million when he fought and pulled off a stunning sixth-round knockout of Pacquiao in their fourth tussle in 2012.
In his last fight against Mike Alvarado last month, Marquez received only $1.5 million.
However, the $20-million deal Marquez presented to Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum is not yet final, according to Roach.
Boxing pundits say the 82-year-old Arum, an astute negotiator, should be able to convince Marquez to sign up for a purse of between $10 million and $15 million.
Roach said he believes that Marquez now deserves a $10-million payday. He added that the Mexican’s reluctance to fight Pacquiao is not only about his prize purse.
Marquez, Roach said, wants to preserve his legacy as the man who knocked out Pacquiao.