Boxing News: Freddie Roach wants Juan Manuel Marquez for Manny Pacquiao in 2016
Freddie Roach wants Manny Pacquiao to fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the fifth time. In a recent interview, the world-renowned trainer stated that the Mexican’s name always gets mentioned in discussions when the topic of Pacquiao’s next opponent for early 2016 comes up.
“I was given four names by Bob [Arum] and what I did was ask people around who should Manny Pacquiao fight next and that was the name [Juan Manuel Marquez] that was often mentioned,” Khan said via Manila Bulletin, a local daily in the Philippines.
Marquez, who turned 42 years old last August, beat Pacquiao soundly in their last meeting when the Mexican unleashed a powerful right counter that put the Filipino to sleep in the sixth round of their match-up on Dec. 8, 2012.
Marquez has since gone 1-1 since that big victory over Pacquiao with a loss to Timothy Bradley in 2013 and a win over Mike Alvarado in 2014. Meanwhile, Pacquiao has bounced back with three straight wins after the KO loss to Marquez but has lost in his last fight, a 12 round unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather in the “Fight of the Century” last May earlier this year.
Roach added that there is real interest from many boxing people for the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight although the Mexican veteran boxer insisted in recent interviews that he’s done with Pacquiao and wants fans to remember the big knockout as the last memory of the Pacquiao vs Marquez rivalry.
“That fight is going to sell because people would love to see it again,” Roach added in the interview. Pacquiao remains one of the top draws in the sport and will be returning to the gym in November or December since injuring his shoulder during the training camp for the Mayweather fight.
Marquez, who is nearing retirement from boxing, might want to reconsider his stance on the fifth Pacquiao vs. Marquez match-up as the fight could draw big numbers both in gate attendance and pay-per-view subscription if it happens.
Along with Marquez, other opponent for Pacquiao being considered for early 2016 are Amir Khan, who reportedly is the frontrunner in this race, and Kell Brook. Other top contenders in the weltweight division are Bradley, Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. Junior welterweights that can also be considered for Pacquiao are Victor Postol, Terence Crawford, Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse.
Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.