By Miguel Rivera
WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5, 38KOs) is going full speed with his free agent status. He says his contract has expired with Golden Boy Promotions and the big fight on his list is a third clash with Manny Pacquiao. Golden Boy and Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank, don't work with each other. The rivalry between the two companies has prevented Marquez from completing his trilogy with Pacquiao.
From this point going forward, Marquez wants to avoid binding himself to any promotional agreements. He fought Pacquiao to a draw in 2004 and lost a split decision to the Filipino in 2008. Pacquiao will defend his WBO welterweight title against Shane Mosley on May 7.
"I've earned the opportunity. It's the fight I want. Everyone wants to see what's going to happen. The fight is attractive and I want to get rid of this thorn in my side. I want to close this chapter. I'm at the end of my career and I want to prove myself as a free agent. I know that under these conditions, I can secure the fight with Pacquiao," Marquez said.
