Manny Pacquiao News: After Timothy Bradley, Does PacMan Have His Next Opponent In Sight?

Juan Manuel Marquez’s last two opponents were Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley. As the two boxers prepare for their fight on April 12, Marquez is ready for a rematch with either one.

“He wants the challenge of the Bradley-Pacquiao winner, he wants to make history of a fifth world title in five divisions,” promoter Fernando Beltran told the L.A. Times. “If Pacquiao wins he’ll have the belt, and Juan wants it.”

Next month, Pacquiao and Bradley will square off for the second time in two years. It’s their first rematch since Bradley took the WBO welterweight title from Pac-Man in a controversial split decision.

Once again, the title is up for grabs, and Marquez can be the first Mexican to hold a belt in five different weight classes should he defeat the winner. It's possible that Marquez would be the No.1 challenger to either Pacquiao or Bradley, no matter who wins in April.

It's also possible that he could fight the loser, considering he has a history with both fighters. A fight with Bradley or Pacquiao would almost certainly be a major payday.

Marquez and Pacquiao have had many battles over the years. The two fought to a draw in their first fight, and Pac-Man got the better of his adversary in the next two. Marquez won the fourth and most recent bout, knocking out Pacquiao in the sixth round. Previously, the 40-year-old had scoffed at the idea of Marquez-Pacquiao V.

Marquez’s change of heart has resulted from the last time he stepped in the ring. On October 12, Marquez was defeated by Bradley in a split decision, failing at his chance to win the belt. Marquez petitioned for a rematch with Bradley after the loss, and said he would retire if he didn’t get his wish. However, Bradley came to an agreement with Pacquiao, instead.

The thought of retirement didn’t last very long for Marquez, who is already considering a fight before facing either Pacquiao or Bradley. He’s currently in negotiations to take on Mike Alvarado in Los Angeles on May 17.

Following Pacquiao’s defeat of Brandon Rios in November, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum named Marquez as a possible opponent for Pac-Man. A win for Pacquiao next month could all but ensure a fifth bout.

Another fight between Pacquiao and Marquez could do big numbers. Their last bout did about 1.15 million Pay-Per-View buys. Bradley-Marquez did 375,000 buys.