MANILA, Philippines – The camp of Juan Manuel Marquez would entertain a rematch with Timothy Bradley only if it would be held in Marquez’s hometown of Mexico.
Bradley outpointed Marquez at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Sunday to retain his WBO welterweight title, earning the victory via a split decision. It was something Marquez derided, saying he was robbed of a win once more.
Two judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 for Bradley while a third had Marquez winning 115-114. Boxing observers believe it was a close but fair decision, but it wasn’t the case for Marquez.
“It wasn't the result I expected but I'm happy with my performance. I fought an opponent who didn't want to fight and I faced an opponent who knew he would win if it went to a decision,†Marquez said in a report from boxingscene.com.
Marquez, who has a history of complaining after a loss, contemplated retirement afterwards.
His promoter Fernando Beltran, however, said a rematch with Bradley still isn’t out of the question.
"I would love to make a rematch with Bradley in the Arena Mexico. I saw Marquez win it close – he was the one who pressed the fight, who gave their best shots,†Beltran said in a boxingscene.com report by Salvador Rodriguez.
Beltran is convinced that Marquez still got what it takes to mix it up in big fights, but leaves it up to him to decide whether to continue his ring career.
“I think Juan Manuel is still a master. He gave Bradley a good fight,†the promoter said. "The decision [to continue fighting] has to be made by Juan Manuel. He is still the star.â€
Marquez took the Bradley fight in an effort to become the first Mexican boxer to win world titles in four divisions. He shunned a fifth fight with rival Manny Pacquiao for this specific opportunity, but came up short on Sunday against Bradley.
The Mexican, who has won titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight, then hinted at hanging up his gloves.
“It's difficult [to continue] and even more so with these kinds of situations in which some appreciate one thing, others something else. I have to think and believe that the decision to retire was made ever since I beat Manny Pacquiao, but I wanted to try to get that fifth title. My family [wanted me to retire] and I told them to give me a final chance [to win a fifth title],†Marquez said.
Beltran, for his part, believes his ward just needs some time off.
“I understand that he must have a talk with his family. We saw him box, use speed, trade punches, use his power – but the judges saw something very different from what the people saw in the arena. We will leave it to Juan to decide what he wants for his career. If not Bradley, there are many other high-level fights who Juan could face," he added.