By Miguel Rivera
Former four division champion Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) has come out and rejected the circulating rumors that he's now considering the possibility of a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KOs).
There have been rumors that Marquez, 44-years-old, is watching his career rival's upcoming fight - with his mind on a future showdown.
Pacquiao, 39-years-old, is back on Saturday night when he challenges Lucas Matthysse for the WBA welterweight title in Malaysia.
Pacquiao is coming back from a controversial twelve round unanimous decision loss to Jeff Horn in July 2017 in Brisbane, Australia.
Marquez has been out of the ring since May of 2014 - when he won a twelve round decision over Mike Alvarado at The Forum in Los Angeles.
The Mexican veteran had attempted several potentials comebacks - but his body was sustaining numerous injuries in training camp - so last year he finally decided to end his career for good.
According to the rumors, there are overseas investors who are willing to stake $60 million for a fifth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez.
But Marquez reacted to the recent rumors - and made it clear that he doesn't care if there is $100 million on the table - there will be no fifth fight.
"I won't fight with Pacquiao. They are saying on the networks that there is $60 million dollars [to do a fifth fight] - but even if there was $100 [million] I wouldn't do it," Marquez stated.
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum had tried his best to make a fifth fight - and Marquez rejected every offer presented.
Marquez and Pacquiao last met in the ring back in December of 2012.
During that contest, Marquez caught Pacquiao cold in the sixth round and knocked him completely out.
After going to a draw and losing two close decisions in the first three meetings, Marquez was unwilling to go any further with their rivalry and wanted his victory in the fourth contest to remain fixed throughout boxing history as the lasting memory of their fight series.
2023-10-21 09:44:15
