Fight of the Year: Marquez prepares for Diaz Pic: ©Gene Blevins - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez still dreams of a third showdown with Manny Pacquiao. The 36-year-old has drew one and lost one against the Filipino boxing superstar and wants a chance to face the Pac-Man one last time before he retires.
Marquez first has to defend his WBA and WBO titles against Juan Diaz on Saturday in the rematch of their ‘Fight of the Year 2009’ bout in which the Mexican veteran won with an eighth round knockout of ‘Baby Bull’.
However, the former featherweight and super-featherweight world champion is not concerned about looking too far into the future and even singled out Erik Morales and Ricky Hatton as other possibilities as he looks to take on a string of top names before the end of his career.
"Manny Pacquiao, that's my desire, I want it so bad," said Marquez, who would likely move up to welterweight if the opportunity arose.
"I want that third fight with him before my career ends. And maybe another one would be like Erik Morales or a Ricky Hatton, but Manny Pacquiao for sure."
Moving up to welterweight would not be a problem for Marquez whose last outing, a one-sided loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr, was at the weight. A victory at welterweight would make Marquez the first Mexican to ever win four world titles in as many divisions.
"It's very important. It's definitely something that keeps me going and to become the first Mexican fighter to win in four divisions is a dream come true and it's something in my mind.
"But, right now my concentration is 100 percent on July 31 to defend my titles, my belts, against Juan Diaz and then we'll look forward."
