MANILA, Philippines–For now, Juan Manuel Marquez is not on Manny Pacquiao’s list of possible opponents.
Lawyer Jeng Gacal, Sarangani Rep. Pacquiao’s chief of staff in Congress, disclosed this Monday after the fresh challenge hurled by Marquez—who beat Juan Diaz by unanimous decision Saturday night in Las Vegas—at the Filipino pound-for-pound king.
“He’s out of the picture at the moment,” said Gacal.
In their first showdown in 2004, Marquez recovered from three first-round knockdowns to forge a controversial draw with Pacquiao. Two years ago, Pacquiao knocked down Marquez in the third round of their second fight and won by split decision.
Since then, Pacquiao has climbed to the welterweight class against Oscar De La Hoya, to light welterweight against Ricky Hatton and to welterweight against Miguel Cotto (145 pounds catch weight) and Joshua Clottey.
Negotiations are being finalized for Pacquiao to battle Mexican Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBC super welterweight crown on Nov. 13.
During the post-fight conference, Marquez said he’s willing to fight Pacquiao, boxing’s only seven-time champion in as many divisions, at 140 to 145.
According to Gacal, if ever Pacquiao decides to give Marquez another chance, it would be at over 140.
“Manny will find it hard to trim down to 140 now,” said Gacal.
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