Juan Manuel Marquez: ‘A Fifth World Title Excites Me, but a Fifth Fight With Pacquiao Does Not’

The rivalry between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao is probably one of the longest rivalries in the history of the sport of boxing. The duo have already fought for four times, yet people still don't seem to get satisfied and always murmur on a grand final rematch for the nth time. Pacquiao is reportedly hungry for a rematch with the Mexican fighter. However, Marquez feels otherwise.

The cheers of many boxing fans even got gaudier now that Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley are set square off on April 12 for their rematch. After the Filipino boxer yielded a victory over Brandon Rios in Macau, following two consecutive losses from Bradley and Marquez, the boxing fans believe that Pacquiao has made his tasteful comeback.

Marquez has fought both Pacquiao and Bradley. However, Marquez's battle with Pacquiao is more celebrated rather than his clash with Bradley, to whom he had only fought once and lost in October 2013. Pacquiao leads in the head-to-head record with 2 wins. Their first meeting was a draw, and Marquez only scored a knockout victory over Pacquiao in December 2012.

Even if it is true that Pacquiao is back in his old winning form and managed to snag a victory over Bradley on April 12, it is highly unlikely that Marquez will consider fighting the Filipino boxer for the fifth time.

"A fifth world title excites me, but a fifth fight with Pacquiao does not," Marquez told Boxing Scene.

"The important thing is to stay with that feeling of Dec 8, 2012 - not just for me but for all Mexicans," he added. According to Marquez, the day when he beat Pacquiao is unforgettable and he can't risk afford to be beaten again by Pacquiao like what happened during their second and third fight.

"I would go through life wondering why I accepted a fifth fight and why I would risk something that I worked really hard to get."

Marquez revealed to the Web site that he is eyeing for a rematch with Bradley if the American fighter remains unbeaten and wins against Pacquiao. He said that he will have to discuss his next step in case Bradley loses.

At 40 years old, Marquez is already contemplating of retiring from the sport and said that he wants to retire in his home country Mexico.

"I'd like to retire in Mexico."

"It would be a compliment and a great satisfaction to say goodbye to my people, my country."

"It would be the right thing to do, to thank my people for their affection by fighting for them," Marquez concluded.