By Joseph Pimentel
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Los Angeles — Mexican lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez said he’s ready for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao and believes he’s the only one capable of beating the Filipino champion.
“I’ve proven myself in the last two fights with him and I’ve showed that I have the techniques and element to beat him,” he said.
Marquez wants a third fight with Pacquiao
Marquez made the statement during an open media day workout in Los Angeles where he is in the last stages of his preparations to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight titles against Australian Michael Katsidis in Las Vegas this weekend.
Since Pacquiao’s latest win against Antonio Margarito, Marquez’s name has been thrown around as one of the next opponents of the Filipino champion. Floyd Mayweather Jr., of course, remains on the top of the list.
Marquez said he was very impressed with Pacquiao’s latest bout.
“He’s proven that he’s a very good fighter,” said Marquez. “His speed is still there. He’s also shown he’s more mature. He’s used all of his experience from his previous fights.”
The Mexican lightweight champion also downplayed Pacquiao’s statement saying that fans would not be excited to watch a Pacquiao-Marquez III rematch.
Marquez, who narrowly lost a split decision in their last match in 2008 and fought to a draw in their first match in 2004, said fans do want to see a trilogy.
“Everything is up to him [Pacquiao],” said Marquez. “I know the people want to see a third fight. Maybe his company doesn’t want to make the third fight but like I said everything is up to him. I’m ready. I’m ready to fight him and he knows we could make a good fight.”
Golden boy CEO Richard Schaefer also believes Marquez should be considered.
Schaefer said Pacquiao should fight Mayweather next. But if negotiations fail again, Marquez is the next best option.
“Styles makes fights and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best counter-puncher ever in the history of the sport or at least considered in the top three,” said Schaefer.
“Manny Pacquiao knows that and he knows how difficult of a style Juan Manuel Marquez has for him so I’m not surprised Top Rank hasn’t called us yet,” he added.
Schaefer, though, said Pacquiao’s number one priority is getting a deal done with Mayweather.
“Fight fans want to see the Mayweather fight and I know Manny wants the Mayweather fight. I think that has to be the top priority of the sport,” he said.