By Miguel Rivera
Four division world champion Juan Manuel 'Dinamita' Marquez stated earlier today in Mexico City that he would reject an offer of $100 million dollars to travel over to the Philippines for a fifth showdown with WBO welterweight champion Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao.
Marquez was advised that certain investors and television networks are wiling to stake as much as $60 million if he came to the Philippines to fight Pacquiao. The Mexican veteran would not only reject that offer - he would also reject $100 million as well.
"I am no longer interested in Pacquiao. They are saying that the networks are willing to pay $60 million dollars for a fight with Pacquiao in the Philippines. I wouldn't go to the Philippines for a fight with Pacquiao for a $100 million dollars," said Marquez, according to ESPN Deportes.
Márquez and Pacquiao faced off four times in the ring, with two victories for Manny, a draw and a sixth round knockout in favor of Marquez, which ended the series of fights between them as there was always controversy in the first three with respect to the scoring.
The fourth bout took place in 2012, and saw Marquez drop Pacquiao in the third and catch him cold in the closing seconds of the sixth with a huge counter that left Pacquiao completely unconscious.
Since that last bout, Marquez has rejected any and all offers for a fifth fight.
On the other hand, Marquez said that he would love to hold a training camp and dust off the gloves before a final fight against a boxing star like Miguel Angel Cotto.
"We are going to see if I can still stand the physical [work in the gym]. There are no possible opponents. I want to do a [training camp] and then a major fight. We are watching for opponents. This year is crucial for whether I will return or not. It depends on how I feel physically. I have trained, I've run, but it is not the same," Marquez admitted.
Pacquiao is scheduled to fight in April, potentially against 2012 Australian Olympian Jeff Horn.
