Arum to prioritize Pacquiao-Marquez 5

MANILA, Philippines – A couple of boxers other than Juan Manuel Marquez join the list of possible opponents for Manny Pacquiao’s next fight. But Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum isn’t keen on anyone but Pacquiao’s bitter rival.

According to a World Boxing News report, Arum’s priority is staging a fifth meeting between Pacquiao and Marquez, likely in Macau this November.

Pacquiao recently signed a fresh deal with Top Rank that will run through 2016 and includes at least two fights per year for the Filipino icon.

British Amir Khan has expressed interest in facing Pacquiao, his former sparmate. A bout with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is likewise possible, even though the popular Mexican currently fights under Top Rank’s chief rival Golden Boy Promotions.

But Arum is looking at no one else other than Marquez for now.

“I can say that there have been talks regarding Khan or Canelo, but perhaps Canelo is an opponent for next year,” the promoter said.

Pacquiao and Marquez had already been at it four times, with the Mexican getting the upperhand the last time around when he knocked his rival out cold in their fourth meeting. Both fighters have recently scored wins – Pacquiao over Timothy Bradley last month and Marquez over Mike Alvarado just a few weeks ago – fueling talks about another rematch.

Marquez is still non-committal about trading gloves with Pacquiao again, although the Mexican wants something that Pacquiao has – the WBO welterweight title.

Arum will make sure Marquez gets a crack at that championship, and Pacquiao a chance for payback.

“For now, the fight I want to make more than any other is Pacquiao-Marquez 5,” he ended.