By John F. McKenna (McJack): Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) may be fighting his old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO’s) in his next fight it was reported in the Jakarta Globe on Friday, May 13. Pacquiao defeated Shane Mosley by a lopsided decision last Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao did not get the knockout he had hoped for, but he still maintains his pound for pound status as the best fighter in the world.

The “Pacman” knocked Mosley down in the third round with a straight left after which it seemed that all the fight went out of Mosley. After round three Mosley did not seem to be able to cope with Pacquiao’s speed and power. He looked surprised and stunned when he arose from the knockdown and all thought of victory appeared to go out the window.

For the remainder of the fight Shane was back pedaling, seemingly content to maintain his record of having never been stopped.

After the fight Manny’s trainer Freddie Road said that he would like to see him fight Marquez. Pacquiao and Marquez fought twice before, the first fight in 2004 ending in a draw after Marquez was knocked down by Pacquiao three times in the first round. In the 2nd fight in 2008 Marquez lost his WBC Super Featherweight Title to Pacquiao in a controversial decision. Since that controversial decision Marquez has sought a rematch with Pacquiao claiming the decision in which he lost his title was unjust.

Roach has said that if Mayweather does not come to the table Marquez would be the logical opponent. Road said that he would like to see that fight take place just to shut Marquez up. Roach is annoyed with the allegations by Marquez that he was robbed in the loss to Pacquiao. Roach further stated that a Pacquiao fight would sell, but Marquez who is a natural lightweight would have to come up in weight to make the fight with Pacquiao happen.

It has already been reported that Top Rank has offered Marquez five million dollars for a November fight with Pacquiao at a 144 lb catchweight. Marquez does not expect Golden Boy Promotions to match the offer because of the catch weight. The fight should do very well financially because of Marqez’s huge Mexican following and Pacquiao’s loyal fan base.

Marquez will be having a tune up fight on July 2 against Top Rank fighter David Diaz.
The television arrangements have not yet been made for the Marquez – Diaz fight, but it is expected that Showtime will step up and show the fight as a way of building up the November fight between Pacquiao and Marquez.

There is some speculation that Marquez will not be as physically competitive as he was against Pacquiao in 2004 and 2008. In addition, Pacquiao wants to prove to his loyal fans and critics alike that he has not peaked and is now on a downward slide. He also wants to prove once and for all that he is a more gifted fighter than Marquez.

Freddie Roach has indicated to Pacquiao his annoyance at Manny’s friendly demeanor during his fight with Mosley. Roach was particularly annoyed at the touching of gloves at the beginning and end of every round. He said that he was not used to that type of friendly behavior between the combatants during a fight.

There are those who will be unhappy if the Pacquiao – Marquez fight comes to fruition. That is to be expected. Recognizing that boxing is a business, the fight which makes most sense financially will be the fight that is made. In boxing, like any other business, money will be the deciding factor.