• Welterweight

Pacquiao 'plumps for Marquez showdown'

ESPN staff
August 29, 2012

Manny Pacquiao has opted to face Juan Manuel Marquez for a fourth time later this year, according to reports - although the bout has not been officially confirmed.

There remains confusion over the date of the contest, with November 10 and December 1 both apparently in play - Pacquiao's political commitments may make the later date necessary - but it will definitely take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao and Marquez have met on three previous occasions, with the most recent in November 2011. Although Pacquiao was awarded the fight by the judges, the verdict was booed by the crowd, and many felt Marquez deserved to win.

Their first bout was ruled a draw in 2004, despite Marquez going down three times in the opening round, and Pacquiao took a split decision four years later. All three of their contests have produced contentious results, meaning a fourth, score-settling clash always looked inevitable.

If Pacquiao has given Marquez the nod, then he has snubbed Timothy Bradley, the WBO welterweight champion who beat him in June, and Miguel Cotto.

Bradley was always the main challenger to Marquez in the race to face Pacquiao, and in recent weeks the American has expressed frustration that Pacquiao has taken so long to make up his mind.

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, claimed last week that an announcement would be made on Monday, but that date passed without any confirmation coming.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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