The fifth faceoff of Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez was what boxing fans wanted. Unfortunately, the latter didn’t want any of it.
Back to December 8, 2013, the entire boxing world was sent to an electrifying shock. Manny Pacquiao was face down on the canvas with an elated Juan Manuel Marquez running around the ring.
It wasn’t an easy sight, especially for Filipino fans. Fortunately, after a few minutes, the People’s Champ was back up on his feet, smiling. Immediately after the bout, Manny was asked if he wanted a fifth match with Marquez. He only said that the decision is up to the camp of Marquez.
No more Manny Pacquiao for Juan Manuel Marquez
After the fight, Pacquiao held off on accepting any matches hoping that Marquez accepts his challenge. Marquez’s camp didn’t heed the call. Instead, Juan Manuel Marquez faced his last opponent, Mike Alvarado, in 2014 before soon retiring.
The wait for Pacquiao lasted until November of 2014. Still, there was no answer from Marquez. Perhaps, he was done with the Pacquiao chapter of his life. The two legendary fighters have already faced each other four times. Manny won two, one by a unanimous decision, and the other by a split decision.
The two also had a match, which was decided into a draw. However, it was the final match between Pacquiao and Marquez that will be remembered. The latter planted a right counter punch straight to the jaw of Pacquiao, which sent him straight to the canvas.
There are only three scenarios possible had Marquez accepted the fight. First, he could redo a convincing win against Pacquiao. Second, the two could end up in a drawn match again. Lastly, Marquez could be on the latter end of a career-defining punch. Perhaps, it’s the last scenario that Marquez wanted to avoid. After all, he’s already proven his dominance once.
US$150,000,000 was on the line
Before the COVID-19 put the sporting world into a standstill, FightHub TV was able to score an interview with Marquez. The legendary Mexican fighter previously said that the prize money for the fight was up to $100,000,000. However, in the interview, probably a slip of the tongue, Marquez said that the money was increased by $50,000,000.
Still, Marquez didn’t want to fight anymore. He has officially retired from the sport and is happily considering playing leisure sports like football or basketball. One thing for sure is that he is no longer considering a return to the ring at the age of 46.
Image from Boxing Now/ YouTube thumbnail