WBO title key to Pacquiao-Marquez 5

MANILA, Philippines – Juan Manuel Marquez is willing to go to great lengths to achieve what no Mexican boxer has done before – win five world titles in as many weight classes.

He’s even willing to face his old nemesis if that what it takes.

A few months ago, Marquez has stood firm on his decision to no longer pursue another fight with Manny Pacquiao, whom he knocked out in December 2012 to punctuate their epic four-bout rivalry. Now, he has taken a 180-degree turn and is now open to a fifth encounter with the Filipino.

That is, if Pacquiao gets past Timothy Bradley and reclaims the WBO welterweight title in their rematch on April 12.

In a report by Lance Pugmire of The Los Angeles Times, Marquez’s promoter Fernando Beltran reaffirmed his ward’s change of heart in facing Pacquiao.

“He wants the challenge of the Bradley-Pacquiao winner, he wants to make history of a fifth world title in five divisions,” said Beltran.

In his 20-year career, Marquez has annexed a total of seven world titles in four weight classes, making him the third Mexican boxer to become a four-division champion after Erik Morales and Jorge Arce. He has already surpassed Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez, who was the country’s first three-division world champion.

The surgical counterpuncher was a former featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight champion. He wants to add “welterweight champion” to his impressive resume.

“If Pacquiao wins he’ll have the belt, and Juan wants it,” Beltran added.

Marquez has started his quest with a fight against Mike Alvarado on May 17, a bout he needs to win to keep his title hopes alive. Pacquiao vowed to avenge his loss to Bradley, and fans may likely see him sharing the same ring again with Marquez.

Pacquiao-Marquez 5 looms.