Pacman-Marquez III likely at 145
HOLLYWOOD—If the final chapter of the bruited Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez trilogy pushes true, it will be fought at 145 pounds.
Marquez has made it a personal crusade to exact revenge on the Filipino superstar, but he might not be able to fight Pacquiao at 147.
The Mexican holds court at lightweight (135). The last time he tried to fight at a catch weight of 144, he failed against Floyd Mayweather Jr., who came in two pounds over the contracted limit.
Pacquiao’s last four fights were fought at 147 or over. He had never exceeded 146 during weigh-in, however.
For Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz, the logical weight is 144 to 145.
Pacquiao tipped the scales at 145 Friday, during the weigh-in for his successful defense of the WBO welterweight title Saturday.
The 37-year-old Marquez is the leading candidate to clash with Pacquiao, 32, on Nov. 5, the date chosen by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum to stage the pound-for-pound king’s next fight in Las Vegas.
Also on the list of probable contenders are Timothy Bardley and Zab Judah, according to Arum.
For Roach, however, “the only sensible fight out of the three is Marquez.”
“They have history,” said Roach. “He’s supposed to have Manny’s numbers, which might be true, but I think Manny has really progressed a long way since they fought a long time ago.
“I just want to like this fight just to shut him up and settle the score.”
Marquez held Pacquiao to a controversial draw in 2004 despite being knocked down three times in the first round. Their second bout took place in 2008, with Pacquiao knocking down Marquez in the third and eking out a split decision.
“We’ll talk about it,” said Roach. “[Pacquiao] is weighing at 144 to 145 in his last couple of fights. Anyway, weight won’t be an issue.”
Pacquiao, who hosted a dart tournament in his unit at the gated Palazzo here Monday, has repeatedly expressed interest in fighting Marquez again.
The lure of big money—as much as $5 million plus pay-per-view and closed-circuit sales, according to ring pundits—and his desire for revenge may be enough for Marquez to accept Arum’s terms.
There’s a hitch, though.
Golden Boy Promotions has the right of first refusal over Marquez and unless it refuses to match Top Rank’s offer, the Mexican great can’t fight Pacquiao.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao, his wife Jinkee and his siblings will leave Los Angeles for Manila on Wednesday.
