The Filipino’s main rival has made his feelings known recently that the fifth battle between them is off the table, although promoter Bob Arum is still keen on pitting the two together for one final time at some point in the future.
Recently, it has emerged that Timothy Bradley may be in the running for a rematch with Pacquiao, along with Top Rank stablemate Brandon Rios, and the ‘Pacman’ has said that he will consider all opportunities if Marquez won’t step up to the plate this year.
“It actually is up to him,” Pacquiao told the Manila Standard in an interview this weekend. “Me? Well, everybody knows I’ll fight anyone. I am not scared of anybody. And that is the reason why boxing fans like me so much. I never avoid anyone. I don’t choose easy fights. I will fight anybody, anytime, anywhere.”
“If he (Marquez) doesn’t want to fight me then I don’t want to fight him either. So be it. It’s that simple.
“He says he doesn’t want to fight me because he won our last fight? Well, I am still ahead in the tally of our last four fights. I won two, lost one, and drew one.”
MANNY PACQUIAO
The 34-year-old, who could have as little as three bouts left as a professional fighter, is no longer the subject of persistent speculation over a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and can now solely focus on getting back to winning ways after two straight defeats.
Pacquiao at one-time was considered invincible as he constantly stepped up in weight to punish highly-ranked champions and has to think carefully about whom he shares the ring with next – as another defeat would be unthinkable for the likable Congressman.
“Bob Arum and I have been talking and will continue talking. What is definite is they’ll see me fight again come September. Not April nor immediately after that as speculations are going.
“Tell the public that it won’t be long before I make them happy again when I fight,” added Pacquiao.
