Friday, June 27, 2008 Roach, Arum open to Pacquiao vs. Marquez III
WILL there be a trilogy?
There will be, if archrivals World Boxing Council super featherweight king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Mexican combatant Juan Manuel Marquez are successful in their voyage to the lightweight world.
According to a report posted at www.boxingscene.com, famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach thinks that both excellent pugilists should have a rematch if both of them are successful in their upcoming bouts.
“He has to get by Casamayor first, and that won’t be easy because Casmayor has an awkward style,” said Roach. “But if Manny wins and Marquez wins, sure, I can see them fighting next year,” he added.
Marquez is going up against Cuban Joel Casamayor for the interim World Boxing Organization lightweight title in his first fight in the 135-pound division on Sept. 13 while Pacquiao will be fighting WBC lightweight titleholder David Diaz on Sunday (RP time) in his debut as a lightweight.
New plot
Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum believes that a third battle would surely happen and it might take place early next year.
He feels that a third fight will be interesting because both fighters are now in a different weight category and there will be a new plot to it.
“With both fighters at 135, there’s a lot more conjecture. Now it’s a real story,” said Arum.
Pacquiao first encountered Marquez in a bloody battle in 2004 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas which ended in a draw.
Marquez was then the World Boxing Organization and the International Boxing Federation featherweight champion. (EKA)
