June 2011 Pacquiao - Marquez for the 3rd Time

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will face Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez at a 145-pound catchweight if the proposed fight pushes through, Pacquiao's adviser, Michael Koncz, said.

Marquez, who already fought Pacquiao in two tight battles, reportedly asked the Filipino champion to go down to 143 pounds to make their third fight.

Koncz, however, said Pacquiao won’t fight Marquez at a weight any lower than 145 pounds.

"It's 145, and not 143. We've had general discussions with [Top Rank Promotions CEO] Bob Arum, but we haven't sat down, Manny and I, to make a decision," said Koncz in BoxingScene.com.

Pacquiao, who recently defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Shane Mosley, is currently fighting at 147 pounds.

Marquez, the reigning WBO and World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion, is seen by many fight experts as the next best opponent for Pacquiao in the absence of pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The Mexican first met Pacquiao in 2004 in a fight that ended in a controversial draw.

They fought again 4 years later, when Pacquiao eked out a split decision to take away Marquez’s WBC super featherweight title.

Arum is currently working to arrange a third fight between the two boxers.

Koncz said they will just wait for Arum to present options about the Marquez fight.

"I don't think that there is a rush to do it," said Koncz. "Let Manny get some rest and spend some time with his family after spending long, hard weeks in training camp. We don't have to come up with a decision this week."