By Miguel Rivera
Juan Manuel Marquez (55-6-1, 40KOs), 39-years-old, will have other options available to him if he decides to take a pass on a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38KOs). Last December in Las Vegas, Marquez knocked Pacquiao out in the sixth round. Marquez recently had a meeting in Mexico with Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum. Marquez was presented with alternative opportunities, if he decides to reject Pacquiao. During a few interviews over the past month, Marquez stated that he saw no reason for a fifth fight.
"I spoke with him. The fifth fight against Pacquiao is being contemplated, but there are other names that we presented to him," says Arum.
Some of the names include the winner of Timothy Bradley vs. Ruslan Provodnikov, the winner of Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado II and even undefeated Jessie Vargas.
"If he does not choose to face Pacquiao again, then we'll look for another fight. The only thing that I am sure of right now - is that he will fight again. Mexicans deserve to see him in the ring again, because he is our hero and our idol," said Marquez's co-promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions.
"Marquez is one of the smartest fighters that our country has produced. He's the boss and he gives the orders. I am respectful to his family, because they are giving him a chance to fight again. It's not up to me to make a decision for or against a Manny Pacquiao fight. I can only provide my opinion if he asks me."
