By Rene Umanzor
Four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs) has made it clear that he will not allow any promoter to force him into a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao. Marquez, who will soon decided the future of his career, wants to pursue a fifth world title in a fifth weight division - and the target appears to be WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (30-0, 12KOs).
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is trying to reach an agreement with Marquez for a fifth Pacquiao clash, but the Mexican boxer doesn't see the point after knocking Pacquiao out cold in the sixth round of their fourth meeting last December at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“It motivates me more to look for a fifth divisional championship. I believe that any sportsman or professional wants to achieve certain goals and that's why another belt inspires me more. And what's better than facing an opponent - who for me is a great fighter, tough and difficult, like Timothy Bradley. My family has the last word [on my future]. I am not a puppet for anybody. I will not allow myself to move forward based on what a promoter or other [industry] people say. My decision [regarding the future of my career] is firm - if it is no then it is no and if it is yes, then it is yes. The surest thing is that there will not be a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao, and yes there will be a [fight for a] fifth championship," Marquez said.
Rene Umanzor covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.
