by James Slater – Golden Boy’s Richard Schaefer is still hopeful a third fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez can be made – if “Pac-Man” wants it. Schaefer is convinced that the idol of the Philippines is concerned about facing the Mexican, a fighter the promoter claims has Pacquiao’s number. However, in talking to Setanta Sports, Schaefer said the money side of making the fight isn’t an issue, and that the bout all of boxing wants to see can be made.
“The money for [a third] Marquez-Pacquiao fight is there so it cannot be the money,” Schaefer said. “Manny knows he could have made more money fighting Juan Manuel Marquez, far more money, than he made by fighting David Diaz in his last fight. So I think money is not a good excuse. I don’t believe it. Pacquiao can say it as many times as he wants. I don’t believe it. I believe he knows Juan Manuel Marquez has his number and that he will beat him again. So he is going to try to find different fights, different avenues.”
It’s a cinch fight fans reading this article will immediately spot Schaefer’s error. Marquez has Pacquiao’s number and he will beat him again? Just when exactly did the Mexican ever defeat Pacquiao? He twice ran “Pac-Man” close, but he never defeated him, so the promoter is wrong there. But is there any chance that Manny is perhaps wanting nothing more to do with the fighter who pushed him so very close twice? Only Pacquiao himself can answer that one.
Schafer went on to say how the Filipino great will not be staying at welterweight, win lose or draw against Oscar De La Hoya next time out. And the promoter also declared how Marquez will be waiting for him back down at lightweight.
“Now he has the opportunity to go in with the most popular fighter in the world, Oscar De La Hoya, so yes, he is going to jump at that opportunity,” Schaefer continued. “Is he going to win, is he going to lose? Irrespective of that, no doubt he will move down [in weight]. He is not going to stay at 147 pounds and Juan Manuel Marquez will be waiting for him. I think a lot of it depends on what the outcome will be with the Oscar fight. If he will get knocked out badly by Oscar he may look for an easier fight. If he wins he may look for a fight with Ricky Hatton.”
Schaefer may well be right with regards to what Pacquiao may do if he wins against De La Hoya on December 6th; I’m just surprised the promoter even suggested the possibility that Oscar might lose!