By Mark Vester
Juan Manuel Marquez is planning to make his move to lightweight division, following his rival Manny Pacquiao, who makes his debut at 135-pounds against WBC champion David Diaz on June 28 in Las Vegas. Marquez's manager/trainer Ignacio Beristain told Notimex that his fighter is going to make a move to lightweight in order to force a third fight with Pacquiao.
The two fought to a draw in 2004 and rematch, which took place in March, saw Pacquiao win a close split-decision that some felt should have gone the other way. Not long after the loss, Marquez actually traveled to Manila and tried to bait Pacquiao before a national Filipino audience.
"(Marquez) must fight at lightweight in his quest to fight Pacquiao (for the third time)," said Beristain. "Pacquiao doesn’t want another fight because he knows that he lost, but Juan Manuel will go up in weight to corner the Filipino should he defeat David Diaz."
Golden Boy Promotions, who have Marquez, are trying to match him against WBA/WBO/IBF lightweight champion Nate Campbell. They feel if Marquez is able to capture three of the four major titles, and Pacquiao wins Diaz's title, a trilogy bout will become too big not to happen.
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