Marquez choosing Bradley over Pacman in September?

MANILA, Philippines - Juan Manuel Marquez has decided to face Timothy Bradley in September instead of going into a more lucrative fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao.

Marquez, who will turn 40 in August, said he has decided to continue boxing and believes that he has a couple more fights ahead of him. 

One of those fights could or should be against Pacquiao.

But for the meantime, the Mexican star said he will first take on Bradley, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, on Sept. 14 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. 

It will be a battle between the two boxers who defeated Pacquiao in 2012.

“They discussed two opponents for Sept. 14: Mike Alvarado and Timothy Bradley. I like challenges. Bradley would be a difficult fight for me,” Marquez told ESPN Deportes Radio. 

“Apart from being a world champion it would be a challenge to fight him and win another title in a fifth division, which for me is something that fills me with pride to have an opportunity to try,” he said.

Pacquiao had wanted a rematch with Marquez following his horrific knockout loss to his fierce rival last December.

But since Marquez, who was reportedly seeking $20 million for another fight with Pacquiao, has other plans, the Filipino icon will most likely end up facing Mike Alvarado in Macau in October. 

Another fighter in the mix is Brandon Rios.

A separate report, however, said Bradley’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, has denied that a fight with Marquez has been sealed.

“We don’t know anything about it. I don’t know anything about it. I know Monica (Bradley’s wife) and Tim don’t know anything about it,” Dunkin was quoted as saying.

Reports said the Pacquiao-Alvarado showdown is almost a done deal.

Arum told The STAR the other day they are close to finalizing a deal regarding Pacquiao’s next fight. While he didn’t say who the opponent is, he said they’re looking at October in Macau.