Pacquiao, Roach: Yes to rematch


By Roy Luarca - Philippine Daily Inquirer • March 19th, 2008

HOLLYWOOD—They’re ready to make this a trilogy—on a couple of conditions.

Manny Pacquiao and celebrated trainer of the year Freddie Roach are willing to give Juan Manuel Marquez a rematch— and a shot at being a world champion again—but the Mexican might need to give his nod to a couple of concessions before that bout could materialize.

Marquez may have to cool his heels a while. Then, he may have to bulk up.

Roach said Pacquiao cannot start training yet because of a superficial cut on the lower part of his right eyebrow incurred after getting hit by a stinging Marquez right straight during their match in Las Vegas, which was dubbed “Unfinished Business,” last Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Pacquiao won the bout via a narrow split decision, taking Marquez’ World Boxing Council super featherweight belt at the Events Center of the Mandalay Bay. Marquez insisted that he won the match.

“We may have to wait a little longer for Manny’s cut to heal,” said Roach, who said they will start training only after the cut no longer poses a problem. The wait would mean the June 28 playdate penciled as Pacquiao’s next fight will definitely be pushed back.

Roach also said Team Pacquiao is hell bent on going after David Diaz’s WBC lightweight crown first before considering a Pacquiao-Marquez III.

“He (Pacquiao) told me he’s having problems making 130 and he wants to move up to 135,” Roach told GMA-7 on Monday. “We’d like to win the title at 135 and if he (Marquez) wants to challenge us at 135, then let’s do it that way.”

Whatever the scenario, there is only one constant: Pacquiao’s ready to mix it up with anyone on the ring.

“Kahit sino, laban ako (I’ll fight anybody),” said Pacquiao on Monday after returning to Roach’s Wild Card Gym here.

Insisting that they won Pacquiao-Marquez II, Marquez and his camp are asking for an immediate rematch, something that’s not included in the agreement signed by Pacquiao.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer even offered Pacquiao $6 million Sunday just for the fight to happen in June.

A little bit disappointed by Pacquiao’s performance against Marquez, whom the Filipino fought to a controversial draw in 2004, Roach wants his ward to train a full two months before a fight.

Roach admitted that Pacquiao’s new weapon—right hook—was virtually non-existent against Marquez.

“He didn’t use it (right hook) like we thought he would,” said Roach. “He was moving into the direction of Marquez’s punches.”

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