Interesting development in the world of boxing, with Golden Boy revealing that they had been sent a copy of the offer that Top Rank had made to Juan Manuel Marquez for the Mexican legend to fight Manny Pacquiao for a third time this October. The two fighters previous bouts were legendary instant classic; both brutal violent affairs with controversial finishes that saw Marquez come off the floor to take Pacquiao to his very limit. The first ended a draw while the second saw Pacquiao win a split decision by a single point. Both decisions have been contested by Marquez, who has long campaigned for the chance to prove that he is the better man.
The reason the offer was sent to Golden Boy is that although Marquez’s contract with his former promoters ended this February they still have the right to match any offer made for him. Golden Boy had been attempting to resign Marquez with the promise of a summer light-welterweight title fight against IBF Champion Zab Judah, a bout that would give Marquez the chance to become the first Mexican to win world titles at four different weights. It would also potential set up a ‘super unification’ clash with the winner of the proposed WBA/WBC/WBO title unification match between Amir Khan and Timothy Bradley. It looks increasingly unlikely that Marquez will entertain that offer should Pacquiao defeat Shane Mosley on May 7th and Top Rank follow through on their offer. While Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Pacquiao III isn’t Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, it is by far the best other fight that could be made.
