MANILA, Philippines - Juan Manuel Marquez thinks that a shot at a fifth world title in as many divisions is far greater and far more important than a juicy $13 million paycheck.
It was reported by Yahoo! Sports yesterday that Marquez was offered $13 million to face Manny Pacquiao later this year in another rematch and continuation of their never-ending rivalry.
But the 39-year-old Mexican turned down what should be the biggest paycheck of his life and for any other Mexican boxer in history for what he believes is a bigger challenge.
Instead, the boxer who stunned the world with a smashing sixth-round knockout of Pacquiao last December in Las Vegas will face Timothy Bradley.
Bradley also defeated Pacquiao last year but his victory on points was questionable. He has agreed to defend his WBO welterweight crown against Marquez in a fight tentatively set Sept. 14 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Bradley was offered a smaller amount of $6 million, compared to the $13 million offered to Marquez by the Pacquiao camp, but the undefeated American also turned it down.
Marquez said becoming the first Mexican to win five world titles in five weight divisions is his dream. He said a month ago he can do two more fights, and if he beats Bradley, then that one last fight could be against Pacquiao.
If that fight takes place, Marquez can ask for something even bigger than $13 million.
“Look, what is being said about Pacquiao – that a fifth fight wouldn’t make sense – well, it’s just like that,†Marquez told ESPN Deportes the other day.
“It still doesn’t make sense. To me, it wouldn’t be a challenge, and I need challenges. I would like to close my career in good standing and leave a legacy behind me. I want everyone to remember me for having faced the best fighters out there, and I believe Timothy Bradley is one of them.
“And why not look forward to finding that fifth title in a fifth weight class, which is something no one here in Mexico has achieved? So to me this is an important challenge, a difficult challenge, a tough challenge. But I always have the mindset that anything can be achieved,†he said.