Conditioning coach wants to see Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez a third time
Manny Pacquiao's conditioning coach Alex Ariza, quickly on the road to lasting fame and success for his conditioning methods, isn't hush-hush when it comes to admitting whom he thinks
Pacquiao should fight next.
Ariza reiterated to boxingscene.com recently that he believes “Pacman” should fight Juan Manuel Marquez, and not other prospective opponents.
Since Pacquiao's 13 November victory over Antonio Margarito, the boxing world has been in a flurry to determine Pacquiao's next opponent.
The obvious choice is Floyd Mayweather Jr., but if he remains a distant star in the sky, others such as “Sugar” Shane Mosley or Andre Berto may get a crack at the Philippine congressman.
"There are some interesting fights out there,” Ariza told boxingscene.com. “I still like Marquez, and I will always say that. I think they still have unfinished business.”
Ariza continued: “[Pacquiao can fight him at] 140, easy. He's a 140-pound fighter.”
The man who spent more than a month customizing Pacquiao's body mass for Margarito must have some knowledge on the matter.
“Pacman” has already touched gloves with Marquez twice in the past, with the first battle declared a draw and Pacquiao barely emerging as a victor a second time.
While Ariza and trainer Freddie Roach have vouched for a third Pacquiao-Marquez contest, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum confirmed recently that should Mayweather negotiations fall through,
Mosley is at the top of the list.
Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz seconded the comments, suggesting that Mosley was a large draw and a vastly marketable fighter in the United States, making him a good prospective opponent.
Marquez defends his WBA/WBO lightweight crowns against mandatory challenger Michael Katsidis Saturday in Las Vegas.
In a tragic series of events, Katsidis' brother recently passed, putting the bout in question. However, Katsidis issued an emotional statement indicating that the fight will go on,
and that he will be fighting in his brother's honour. Should be upset Marquez though, all speculation on a Marquez-Pacquiao bout will likely be for nought.
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