by Ronnie Nathanielsz

Underscoring the fact that negotiations for a fifth fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao will take time, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes that a decision should be reached by April.

In an overseas telephone conversation with BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard, Arum said “we’ve had conversations but these things take time and they are delicate.”

He disclosed that “compensation is what I’m working on” at this time.

Asked whether he had any alternate plans in case the fight doesn’t push through Arum responded - “I don’t make alternate plans. I’m confident both will agree to fight each other.”

Marquez’ promoter Fernando Beltran has admitted that only Pacquiao can satisfy the financial demands of Marquez but that he wants a guaranteed purse of at least $10 million.

BoxingScene.comn quoted Beltran who said - “I believe he [deserves at least $10 million]. We have to make a decision by April on his next fight and then we’ll make the announcement on who he (Marquez) will fight in September.”

Beltran emphasized that “putting Marquez and Pacquiao together is the only combination that producs an attractive financial figure for Juan Manuel.”

Marquez himself said earlier he saw no reason to fight Pacquiao for a fifth time with trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain supporting his fighter’s position.

But Arum reacted by claiming Marquez was “posturing” while negotiating for a higher purse following his crushing 6th round knockout of Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Srena in Las Vegas last December 8.