• Light-welterweight

Marquez set for Pacquiao fight

ESPN staff
September 13, 2012
Manny Pacquiao has never lost to Juan Manuel Marquez © Getty Images
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Manny Pacquiao is poised to announce his return to the ring later this year for a fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

Promoter Bob Arum confirmed that Pacquiao will fight on December 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the 33-year-old's first bout since his shock defeat by Timothy Bradley in June.

And while Arum said that Marquez has now signed for the fight, he would not formally announce the event until he had the signed deal. A press conference has been scheduled for Tuesday September 18.

When asked if Marquez was set to meet Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Arum said: "It's certainly going in that direction."

Marquez was selected ahead of a rematch with Bradley after Miguel Cotto declined a potential bout. Bradley's poor box-office draw, in spite of a promoter's option of a rematch, counted against the American.

Instead, Pacquiao returns to face Mexico's Marquez for a fourth time, having won two of the previous three bouts, with the third scored as a draw.

Some commentators believe Marquez won all three fights, including last November's contest when a majority decision helped Pacquiao retain his welterweight title, ensuring high interest in another showdown.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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