By Jhonny Gonzalez

Promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions told Rene Tovar that Juan Manuel Marquez's future in the sport no longer depends on Manny Pacquiao. For years Marquez chased after Pacquiao, resulting in four fights. Marquez believed he was robbed in the first three meetings, all viewed as controversial. Finally, last December, Marquez secured the most conclusive victory in the entire four fight series by knocking Pacquiao out in six rounds.

The likely move is a fifth fight with Pacquiao in the fall, but Beltran says a fight fight is not set in stone.

"It has not been determined that it is Pacquiao [who Marquez will fight next]. If [the demand] is for another opponent, then we'll take another fight. We are not ruling anything out and looking at our options right now. We may face [Pacquiao], but right now he is not the official opponent. Juan Manuel is now the key to the equation. Juanma can fight anywhere in the world, he is the best pound for pound, at this time around he does not depend on Pacquiao. We are going to fight anyone that people demand us to," Beltran concluded.

Some insiders believe this is a business strategy to get Marquez the most money possible in a fifth fight.