Richard Schaefer doubts three-peat between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez
Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer has speculated that he does not think a third fight between all-star Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will come to pass due to Top Rank fearing for Pacquiao in the bout.
Since Pacquiao’s last performance against Antonio Margarito on November 13, the boxing world has been in sixes and sevens over "Pacman's" next opponent.
Marquez has been routinely declared a potential candidate, as he's already met “Pacman” twice in the ring and come out in better shape according to many.
In a boxingscene.com article, Schaefer said that it was a “fact” many would like to see a three-peat between the two, but cautioned it is unlikely to come to fruition since Top Rank is doing everything they can to prevent Pacquiao from losing.
“You know, Bob is not going to want to do that [arrange a fight] because Bob is a smart guy and so is (Top Rank matchmaker) Bruce Trampler,” Schaefer mused.
"They don't want to go and risk that [a Pacquiao loss]. So they're going to want to go and see if they can get somewhere an easier opponent. And it is what it is. But then let's not pretend, let's call it the way it is and everybody moves on.”
Despite doubts by the Golden Boy CEO, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach recently indicated that Marquez is close to topping his list as the best guy currently out there for Pacquiao.
Part of Roach’s logic for pressing a third fight was simply the calibre of the first two bouts, which were highly competitive and good for boxing.
“They were very good fights for boxing and very competitive. Manny beat him and fought him to a draw, and Marquez knows Manny and knows what gives Manny trouble,” Roach said to Fanhouse.
“Marquez has been down four times in the two fights, but he's gotten up and made the fight. He is a very durable guy and he's got an audience and a fan base behind him. So he's marketable,” Roach added.
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