Pacquiao vs Marquez IV is On

Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao has decided to fight Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez for a fourth time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8. Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz told the Manila Standard that Pacquiao had chosen Marquez over a rematch with Timothy “Deseret Storm” Bradley, pointing out that “next to a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr a fight with Marquez would be the best.” 

Koncz who was driving back to Los Angeles after finalizing details of an agreement with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum in Las Vegas said “you know how Manny is. He wants to entertain the fans. In his last fight with Marqauez which was close, some of the Mexican fans booed the decision. Manny cares for the Mexicans who have always supported him and he wants to bring them back with a great fight.”

Marquez insisted he won the first 2 fights vs Pacquiao

Juan Manuel Marquez insisted that he won his first 2 fights against Manny Pacquiao. Marquez made the statement during the Manila leg of their global press tour promoting their Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 fight in November 12 welterweight title fight.

“I won the first 2 fights… In 2004 and 2008,” he asserted.

This was his reply when asked if his career would be complete even without a win against Pacquiao. He, however, admitted being grateful to be given the chance to square off with the fighting congressman again.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity… I expect the best Manny Pacquiao for this fight,” said Marquez.

The two boxers will be fighting it out for the 3rd time at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2004, Pacquiao scored 3 first round knockdowns against Marquez. The Mexican, however, was able to salvage a draw. Four years later, the Filipino champion edged the Mexican with a split decision.

The November 12 fight will take place at a 144-pound catchweight, 13 pounds higher than the 130-pound division they last fought in. Marquez is confident that he can handle the added weight on his frame, despite losing a 144-pound catchweight fight to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2009. He claimed that he lost to Mayweather because the latter ran and ran during their bout.

“Mayweather doesn’t like to fight and I want to fight. With Manny it will be different,” said Marquez.