Boxing
Pacquiao wants $28 million for next fight
AFP file photo
Manny Pacquiao wants a hefty $28 million when he returns to the ring possibly in May.
That spells trouble for Juan Manuel Marquez, who is also angling to get a fourth fight with the Filipino pound-for-pound king.
Believing that Pacquiao was lucky to escape with the 12-round majority decision when they fought last November at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the 38-year-old Mexican is expected to ask for a bigger purse, more than the $5 million guarantee he got in the third fight. Pacquiao was guaranteed $20 million for the bout.
Marquez told the Mexican sportspaper Record that he is craving for a fourth showdown with his fierce Filipino rival.
Some weeks back, Marquez was even quoted as saying that he will not even agree to fight in Las Vegas for fear that the judges would screw him up again.
But industry sources believe Marquez will give in if he is given the right purse by Arum.
Marquez remains convinced that Pacquiao lost all three of their fights.
The first one in May 2004 ended on a split draw, while the rematch in March 2008 went Pacquiao’s way on a split verdict.
Others being eyed for Pacquiao are Tim Bradley, Lamont Peterson and Miguel Cotto.
Arum is arriving in Manila on Tuesday with Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz to map out Pacquiao’s next move.
