Pacquiao-Marquez rematch a done deal?

The fight that the world wants to see is close to happening.

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who figured in a very controversial draw in 2004, moved closer toward a rematch after their promoters, Top Rank and Golden Boy, have come to an agreement.

“It’s almost a done deal,” said Pacquiao’s ring adviser from Cebu, Wakee Salud who said the Filipino megastar is “happy” with the purse he is getting for the rematch set March 15 in Las Vegas.

In fact, Top Rank and Golden Boy are scheduled to hold a press conference on Dec. 20 in Los Angeles to announce the staging of the fight, actually the first big fight of 2008.

Mandalay Bay of Las Vegas looms as the possible venue. The fight will be for Marquez’ WBC super-featherweight (130 lbs) crown.

Pacquiao and Marquez are expected to grace the press conference. And if they do, it will probably be the first time these two gladiators will come face to face since their 2004 fight at the MGM.

The details of the agreement are being kept under wraps, although it came after discussions focusing on Marquez’ asking price that was sliced to Pacquiao’s liking.

Salud said Arum is flying in for Pacquiao’s 29th birthday on Dec. 17, and then the promoter and fighter will fly to the US on the 19th for the anticipated press conference.