Promoter Fernando Beltran confirmed circulating rumors suggesting that Juan Manuel Marquez is now open to facing his nemesis Manny Pacquiao should he emerge victorious over Timothy Bradley.
In an interview with Lance Pumigre of LA Times, Beltran of Zanfer Promotions said that Marquez has reconsidered his previous stance about a fifth showdown with Pacquiao.
Beltran revealed that the Mexican boxing icon is now awaiting the winner of the Pacquiao-Bradley showdown on April 12 in Las Vegas, saying that Marquez is very interested with the WBO welterweight title at stake in the rematch between his former opponents.
"He wants the challenge of the Bradley-Pacquiao winner, he wants to make history of a fifth world title in five divisions," Beltran revealed. "If Pacquiao wins, he'll have the belt, and Juan wants it."
Marquez previously turned down numerous offers to face Pacquiao again, insisting that he has already put an end to their long rivalry after his convincing win during their fourth showdown.
Marquez was trailing in all scorecards and looked ready to go down anytime in his previous fight against Pacquiao, but he managed to unleash a powerful overhand right that knocked Pacquiao out cold in the sixth round of their showdown in December 2012.
But before thinking about an expected blockbuster fifth showdown with Pacquiao, Marquez should first dispatch Mike Alvarado if their proposed fight on May 17 will be finalized.
Marquez said that he is very excited to prove that he still has a lot of gas left in his tank, while Beltran also added that his fighter is thrilled about the idea of fighting at The Forum in California - a historical venue for sports as it was the former homecourt of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings.
"It's sensational for him, historical and he's very excited about returning there at this point in his career," Beltran said.
Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum, who also confirmed Marquez's interest in a fifth fight with Pacquiao, is also excited to stage a showdown at the renovated historical venue, saying that it is time for Los Angeles to host a big fight again.
"I have so many fond memories of fights at the Forum, and now they've done a great job of renovating it," Arum said. "LA is such a great boxing market, and now it has one more great place to watch fights again."
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