A 5th bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez is being heavily pushed for by Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, and that shouldn't come as a surprise to any because Arum is only out for the money. However, even with Arum trying to shove this 5th fight in Marquez's face, the elder promoter acknowledged that it's not a guarantee because Marquez is considering other options. According to a March 3rd report by BoxingScene.com, Arum made the following comments:
"I spoke with him. The fifth fight against Pacquiao is being comtemplated, but there are other names that we presented to him. If he does not choose to face Pacquiao again then we'll look for another fight."
The other bouts that Marquez is considering are Timothy Bradley, Brandon Rios (provided they both win their next fights) and Jessie Vargas.
In all honesty, a 5th fight benefits nobody but Arum. Marquez and Pacquiao are wasting away their careers if they keep fighting each other. This potential 5th encounter is a great example of one of the problems with Boxing. Promoters are only interested in filling their pockets and not what the fans really want. There's very little excitement over a 5th bout. Pacquiao lost to the better fighter last December in spectacular fashion. Manny should tell Bob that 4 fights is enough and that he should look elsewhere.
If Manny can't stand up to Arum now, then he should just retire and continue his political aspirations. The handling of his career over the last few years has come under heavy criticism due to the fights that Arum has presented to him and the opponents Manny has agreed to. Additionally, two losses in a row has really quieted the loyal Pac-Nation. Both Pacquiao and Marquez would be better served to fight someone new and fresh. Boxing would also benefit from this as it needs more exciting fights not watered down fights that we have seen 4 times before.
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