By Mark Vester
Contrary to the comments recently made by Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions, WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao says he is more than willing to fight a trilogy bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. In the aftermath of Marquez's knockout of Joel Casamayor in Las Vegas, Schaefer said that Pacquiao, and his promoter Bob Arum, would in no way agree to a third fight with Marquez. He said Pacquiao was avoiding the fight, while Marquez is ready to take on any challenge.
“There’s no way Bob Arum and Pacquiao are going to fight him again,” Schaefer was quoted as saying by Kevin Iole. “I don’t think Pacquiao wants anything to do with Juan Manuel Marquez any more. Juan Manuel Marquez will fight anyone. He’s never turned down anyone," Schaefer said. "Have you ever heard him turn down any opponent?”
Pacquiao would respond proir to leaving to the United States to begin training for his December 6th bout with Oscar De La Hoya. Manny said he was up for a third meeting with Marquez, but the Mexican fighter has understand that he is going to take the smaller purse in the trilogy bout. After they fought to a draw in 2004, it took another four-years before the rematch took place because Marquez refused to accept the short money.
Pacquiao also said that his own promotional company would have to handle the event, probably along with Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, who have Marquez.
“I’m willing to fight him any time. But since I will be the promoter, he must first accept all the conditions I will ask including a smaller purse [for him]," Pacquiao said. “If he agrees to the conditions, I know he is fighting for honor and I will fight him. If not, he’s only after getting big purse."
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