By Chris Williams: Negotiations between management representatives for Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KO’s) and Juan Manuel Marquez 55-6-1, 40 KO’s) has reportedly already started for a fight that could take place in September in either Mexico or Macau.
Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz said to RingTV “Yes, Marquez is a possibility, but there are other fighters that are possibilities too. We’re negotiating, and if we came come to terms on the money, we’ll do it, and if not then it’s up to Manny.”
Arum is meeting with Marquez this week in a one-on-one meeting to see if he can make the September fight with Pacquiao.
One of the things that could decide whether the Pacquiao-Marquez fight takes place in September is if Pacquiao will agree to accept a guaranteed lower purse than what he’s been receiving. Pacquiao’s guaranteed purse for the 4th fight with Marquez was $23 million, and that number is likely going to have to come down considerably if they’re going to get Marquez to sign for a fifth fight.
Marquez received a guaranteed $6 million last time, and if he asks for a 50-50 deal, which would mean both fighters would end up with around $15 million each, if not a little bit more due to their fifth fight likely ending up with bigger PPV receipts than last time. Will Pacquiao agreed to take a pay cut of $8 million to fight Marquez for $15 million? I think the answer is obvious.
Pacquiao likely won’t do it. It goes without saying the only way the Pacquiao-Marquez fifth fight will happen in September is if Pacquiao still gets over $20 million for the fight, and the only way that happens is if Marquez accepts a 70-30 deal or something very close to that number. Pacquiao can fight one of Arum’s Top Rank stable fighters and make $20 million.
If the Pacquiao-Marquez rematch doesn’t happen for September, the names that are being mentioned as possible options for Pacquiao are Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Brandon Rios. Tim Bradley reportedly isn’t one of the options despite his previous win over Pacquiao from last year in June.
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