Juan Manuel Marquez is in an interesting position. At 41 years old he's nearing the end of his career, but is still effective enough to compete at a high level. He's interested solely in fighting for titles, or taking big fights that will lead to title shots. There is one current champion he refuses to face though-Manny Pacquiao.
"I've been offered a lot of money for a [fifth] fight with Pacquiao," Marquez said to BoxingScene.com. "But for me honor, prestige and respect for a country comes first. And, why do a fifth fight? Considering we won."
Marquez knocked Pacquiao out in their fourth bout in 2012. He went on to lose a split decision to Timothy Bradley before rebounding with a victory over Mike Alvarado.
Marquez currently has nothing scheduled, but has spoken of wanting a rematch with Bradley, or a title fight against IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook. He's also been called out on Instagram by Adrien Broner, but his handlers are unlikely to put him in the ring with a fighter as experienced as Marquez. Broner also doesn't have a belt that Marquez can win.
Marquez has also not shied away from talk of retirement; he hasn't said he is leaning that way, but also hasn't ruled out the possibility.
"Making a decision for an athlete to retire is very difficult, because we miss the exercise, the applause, the screams of the fans. I do not want to tarnish the career that I've made as many fighters have done by fighting too long. I want to feel sure of what I can do then make a decision," Marquez said.
Bradley is scheduled to fight Diego Chaves in early December, so that fight probably won't be made, but if he is patient a matchup vs. Brook may be possible.
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