Thursday, March 20, 2008 Sulaiman: WBC to back Manny vs. Marquez III
AFTER the epic rematch last March 15 that was four years in the making, World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman said he would love to witness a trilogy between WBC super featherweight champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez even though Top Rank has different plans.
“If they asked for an immediate rematch, I believe that the whole Board of Governors would accept it. I would love to see a rematch. The world would love to see a rematch. But I understand that Top Rank has already signed a fight for Manny Pacquiao to challenge the WBC lightweight champion David Diaz,” said Sulaiman in a report posted at boxingscene.com.
Golden Boy Promotions has already offered Pacquiao $6 million for a third fight with Marquez but Arum is shelving that for now.
On the other hand, Sulaiman said WBC super featherweight No.1 contender Marquez still has a chance to fight the Filipino superstar again but he would have to wait because the mandatory title defense will still be a year from now, which means Pacquiao can choose who he fights next.
Sulaiman thinks that a style like Marquez’s is difficult for Pacquiao and that the Filipino would rather not have a rematch with the dethroned champ.
Their first fight ended in a controversial draw, while the second was won by Pacquiao by split decision.
“I doubt it because Manny doesn’t want to do that. I believe that since their first fight, Manny Pacquiao has understood that the style of Juan Manuel Marquez is not the style that he can be at ease with. That it’s not for him. It’s a very difficult style,” Sulaiman said.
Meanwhile, WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, who defeated Erik Morales in his last title defense is eager to face off with Pacquiao.
“It would be awesome,” Diaz said in a report posted at thesweetscience.com. “Bob Arum’s right here so I hope he can make it happen. I’ve been waiting for a big fight like this. Just give me a chance, I’ll please you guys. Guaranteed.”
Like Pacquiao, Diaz has Arum as his promoter. (EKA)
