Juan Manuel Marquez calls into question Manny Pacquiao’s status as people’s champion
Juan Manuel Marquez has challenged Manny Pacquiao’s unofficial title as the people’s champion.
If he can’t fight him in the ring, he can at least call into question the values and inheritances that “Pacman” prides himself on.
Marquez has all but begged for a three-peat with the Philippine congressman since Pacquiao’s November 13 exhibition against Antonio Margarito in Arlington, Texas.
While many consider the occasion as a good fight, it was incredibly one-sided, with the smaller, more nimble Pacquiao dominating Mexican-born Margarito and sending him to the hospital.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum heightened Marquez’s expectations for fighting Pacquiao recently when he confirmed the premier WBO/WBA lightweight champion was a top contender for “Pacman,” should a lucrative fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. not work out.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach seconded the comments, saying that Marquez-Pacquiao III would prove exciting and entertaining because the first two bouts were close and good for the sport of boxing.
Bound in this context, Marquez told Fanhouse Friday he and Pacquiao should fight again for the fans.
The comments, should they be left unanswered, call into question Pacquiao’s reputation of doing everything to please the fans.
“Let’s do this fight for the Mexicans. Let's do this fight for the Filipinos. Let's do this fight for all of the world and the fans, because I believe that you didn't beat me in those fights,” Marquez said.
Marquez indicated that he would prefer to fight Pacquiao at a catchweight around 140 pounds but would be willing to entertain fighting at the standard 147-pound welterweight level if that’s what it took.
“If it comes to that [weight], then, you know what? No problem. I don't want to have to go 147, but if he weighs 147, yes, I'll even go to 147. Just to be fair. But you know what? Whatever he weighs, I’m going to weigh too.”
Tags: