Wednesday, May 18, 2011 | 12:16 a.m.
Sun Coverage
- Juan Manuel Marquez likely to get next crack at slowing down Manny Pacquiao
- Live! Color! From Pacquiao-Mosley at MGM Grand Garden Arena
- Live Blog: Pacquiao dominates from start to finish, wins unanimous decision
- Shane Mosley not disappointed with performance that left many wanting more
- Kelly Pavlik seeks fresh start on Pacquiao vs. Mosley undercard
- Wilfredo Vazquez, Jorge Arce will look to live up to talk on Pacquiao undercard
- Notebook: Manny Pacquiao asks fans to wear yellow to Saturday’s title fight
- Manny Pacquiao’s schedule outside of the ring keeps him focused on fighting
- Past stories, photos, video on Pacquiao
It’s not Floyd Mayweather Jr., but Manny Pacquiao’s next boxing opponent is arguably the next best thing.
Juan Manuel Marquez on Tuesday reportedly agreed to a deal to fight Pacquiao Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, getting one more chance to defeat boxing’s undisputed pound-for-pound champion.
They fought to a draw in 2004 and Pacquiao won a split decision in 2008 — two fights that could have easily been scored in favor of Marquez.
Officials for Top Rank, which promotes Pacquiao, meet with Marquez Tuesday in the Los Angeles area to hammer out details. Marquez is under contract with Golden Boy Promotions, meaning the deal is contingent on Golden Boy representatives agreeing to pass on providing him a fight. Golden Boy representatives have told multiple news organizations they aren’t commenting until next week, but it’s unlikely they will match the offer.
The fight will be contested at the catch weight of 144 pounds and likely be for Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title. Marquez will earn a reported $5 million.
The Filipino superstar Pacquiao (54-3-2), who May 7 easily outpointed Shane Mosley for an unanimous decision victory, is riding a 14-match winning streak dating back to 2005.
While a battle with the undefeated Mayweather has never materialized, facing Marquez is an attractive alternative. Fans were vocal in their displeasure during the Mosley bout, where Pacquiao’s dominance was partially credited to Mosley being past his prime and not interested in exchanging blows.
Pacquiao shouldn’t have that problem with the veteran Marquez (52-5-1), who has won eight world titles in three separate weight classes and is known for his speed, precision punching power and unorthodox counter-punching style. It’s a style that has given Pacquiao problems in the past.
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