Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Pacquiao, Marquez to do it again By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
THEY'RE going to do it again. Filipino boxing sensation Manny "Pacman" Paquiao and Mexican WBC super-featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, both of whom engaged in a thrilling but controversial draw in 2004, will trade punches once more in what could be a rematch to remember for all time.
Boxing website Philboxing.com first broke the news of the Pacquiao-Marquez II after the Filipino fighter is reportedly amenable to the purse he is getting for the fight.
Philboxing reported that it was Rex "Wakee" Salud, Pacquiao's friend and confidant, who relayed the information.
This development puts an end to weeks of speculation on Pacquiao's next opponent. Marquez's name was constantly mentioned in the previous reports, but world lightweight champion David Diaz was also considered by the Filipino's camp.
Marquez, the WBC super-featherweight king, had earlier declared he has accepted the terms set by Pacquiao and with the Filipino southpaw now also agreeable on the prize money, the stage is set for an explosive showdown early next year.
This could come on March 15, 2008, the date set by Bob Arum and HBO for Pacquiao's next fight.
A press conference is scheduled on Dec. 20 in Los Angeles to announce the blockbuster rematch. The affair will be attended by Golden Boy Promotions' Oscar dela Hoya and Top Rank's Arum.
Pacquiao and Marquez are also attending the press conference.
Pacquiao owns huge victories over two Mexican greats. He knocked out Erik Morales twice and sent Marco Antonio Barrera into retirement after beating him for the second, including an 11th-round TKO win in a fight staged in San Antonio, Texas.
Pacquiao and Marquez have a score to settle with each other. Both warriors fought to a classic 12-round draw back in May of 2004, with Pacquiao sending Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round, and the Mexican coming back with excellent counter-punching the rest of the way.
The boxing world is eagerly waiting for the "13th" round bell to start their second encounter.
