The controversial victory of Manny Pacquiao over Juan Manuel Marquez may bring the Filipino boxing legend closer to a highly anticipated megafight against unbeaten American star Floyd Mayweather.
On Saturday in Las Vegas, Pacquiao secured his 15th consecutive victory with a majority decision over Marquez, yet he did not exhibit the dominant performance seen in the seven bouts since his previous contentious win over Marquez in 2008.
Due to a head-butt in the 10th round, “PacMan” required 28 stitches to close a cut above his right eye, and if two judges had scored the last round differently, the bout would have ended in a draw.
Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, downplayed Marquez’s hints about retirement, arguing that a potential $10 million payout for a fourth fight could sway his decision, asserting that he plans to arrange a fourth bout between Marquez and Pacquiao next May.
Freddie Roach, who trains Pacquiao, expressed that Marquez should have a shot at a rematch prior to Pacquiao facing Mayweather.
Even though Pacquiao is willing to entertain a rematch with Marquez, he clearly stated he is also prepared to take on Mayweather, responding to inquiries about the fight with, “Let’s get it on. Let’s make the fight happen.”
Mayweather, via his advisor Leonard Ellerbe, has expressed a desire to fight Pacquiao next May. However, Arum dismissed the notion that Mayweather has already set a date and venue for this anticipated match, while Roach added that Mayweather should refrain from dictating the terms.
“I’m kind of tired of Floyd. Shut up and fight or don’t,” Roach remarked.
“He wants to control everything. Who does he think he is to set the rules?
“Then he sends his gopher out to make a statement. Leonard Ellerbe, he’s just a gopher. Floyd, speak for yourself. Who cares if it’s coming from Ellerbe?”
At the very least, the option of revisiting the fight with Marquez could provide Arum with some negotiating power in discussions with Mayweather’s camp regarding the terms for a long-awaited fight, which is expected to yield around $50 million for each fighter—if it takes place.
Mayweather is also set to face an evidentiary hearing next month regarding felony charges of grand larceny, coercion, and robbery stemming from an incident in 2010 involving his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, and their two children. He could be looking at up to 34 years in prison.
Just as Pacquiao’s camp is urging Mayweather to challenge the Filipino star, Mayweather’s co-promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, shared with the Los Angeles Times that he essentially wants to see Pacquiao make the call for the showdown with Mayweather.
“Mayweather wants the fight. If Manny wants Floyd, there’s nothing hindering that fight from happening,” de la Hoya remarked to the publication.
“Pacquiao fights for the fans, and the fans want him to step up and fight Mayweather.”
by Buford Balony
