By Miguel Rivera

According to reports in Mexico, WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez is leaning in the direction of accepting an offer to fight Manny Pacquiao for a third time in October. According to Univision, the boxer received a formal written offer from Pacquiao's promoter Top Rank with financial details that are reportedly enticing to the boxer.

Marquez also has a lucrative two-fight deal on the table from Golden Boy Promotions, who also have the ability to match Top Rank's offer. The Mexican champion announced that he was a free agent a few weeks ago, and in several recent reports on BoxingScene.com he made indications that a trilogy with Pacquiao was his year-end goal.

Since Pacquiao's decision loss to Erik Morales in 2005, Marquez has been the only fighter to give the Filipino star some very difficult moments. They went to draw in 2004 and Pacquiao won a close split decision in the 2008 rematch. Many of those at ringside had scored the rematch in favor of Marquez and it left unfinished business for both.

Pacquiao has a fight lined up with former three division champion Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.