Marquez too old at 37 - Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Juan Manuel Marquez wants a third with Manny Pacquiao. But does Pacquiao want it?

The Filipino champion, based on his previous statements, isn’t too sure about that.

“Will the people still come to watch the fight?,” said Pacquiao the last time he was asked if he’s still open to a third fight with the great Mexican counter-puncher.

Well, you can’t blame Pacquiao if he says he doesn’t want another date with Marquez, who will soon turn 37.

After all, the Filipino pound-for-pound champion thinks he’d beaten Marquez twice, the first during their May 2004 contest that ended in a draw only because one of the judges erred in scoring the first round.

Pacquiao knocked down Marquez three times in that opening round, and should have earned a 10-6 score on all scorecards. But one of the judges scored it 10-7, leading to the controversial draw.

Marquez also claimed he won that fight, saying he dominated Pacquiao the rest of the way. He eventually got the rematch in 2008, one that ended in an equally-controversial split decision for the Filipino.

The first bout was at 126 lb, and the second at 130. Marquez, who defeated Juan Diaz at 135 lb yesterday, said he can take on Pacquiao at 140 or 142 by November.

Pacquiao never runs away from a fight, but thinks he has nothing more to prove against Marquez, the last person who came very close to beating the 31-year-old congressman in the ring.

“Apat na beses ko na siya pinabagsak (I’ve knocked him down four times),” said Pacquiao, looking back at their second match where he floored the Mexican with a solid left late in the third round.

But Marquez managed to turn the fight into a bloody one for Pacquiao, and after the final bell many thought it could have gone either way. Even Pacquiao looked surprised after he was declared the winner.

But Freddie Roach is open to a third fight with Marquez because it would give Pacquiao a chance “to silence him for good.”

The American trainer said if Marquez can’t beat Pacquiao at 126 or 130 then what more at 140 and above.

But not until Pacquiao signs the Antonio Margarito contract, Marquez will keep on calling his name, hoping for a third fight, and a payday like no other.

He can grow old, very old, waiting for that day.