TalkingBoxing Articles
The New Fab Four…With One Piece Missing
FRI September 9, ANDRES ANTONIO CARRIEDO - In the next few weeks, three boxers commonly recognized among the top pound for pound fighters in the world will be in action. Tomorrow, September 10th, Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao are scheduled to see action in separate bouts, against Zahir Raheem and Hector Velazquez respectively on HBO.
Assuming neither slips up, the two figure to meet in a winter rematch of their action packed 12-rounder this past March. Exactly one week later, WBC 130-pound titlist Marco Antonio Barrera meets IBF counterpart Robbie Peden in a unification match. However, another notable name is missing from the discussion. Juan Manuel Marquez no longer seems to be in the picture.
Apparently, Marquez wants more money than his promoter Top Rank is either willing or able to pay him for the fights that fans want to see him in. So, he and his management team have refused offers to fight Pacquiao and Morales over the past few months. The consequence? Not one promoter placed a bid for the right to promote his IBF mandated title defense against the Thai contender Phafrakorb Rakkietgym...on two separate occasions. So, now he appears headed for a long wait on the sidelines while he, his manager and his promoter figure something out.
Meanwhile, the other three members of this potential fab four are angling for highly anticipated rematches with each other, most likely on pay per view...for a lot of money, but more importantly in memorable fights against each other.
If any of you are wondering why Marquez prefers to sit on the sideline bickering about money you are not alone. Generally, I side with fighters who demand to be paid what they deserve. However, in Marquez’ case, he finds himself in a privileged position to fight his way into boxing history.
Barrera, Morales, Pacquiao and Marquez could be remembered in the same way that Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran are. Their earning potential over the next few years could make each of them financially secure for the rest of their lives, win or lose. They only need to fight each other. Marquez needs to realize this because he is the only one who has not established himself as a star in his own right. Translation? If Marquez doesn’t swallow his pride, sign the contracts that he believes are unfair and get into the ring with his pound for pound colleagues, then his prime will pass him by and not only will he not have made the money he should have, but 10 years from now fans will not remember him.
Morales, Pacquiao and Barrera are all fighting contenders next month, but none of them are in legitimate superfights. Juan Manuel Marquez could have made a deal to fight one of them. What happened? One year ago the entire boxing world was still buzzing about his epic battle with Pacquiao. Now, no one is willing to put up $50,000 to promote his mandatory title defense. Conclusion? Pride has gotten the best of the Mexico City native.
Quite frankly, there’s one right way to do this and there are a whole lot of wrong ways do it. Hopefully, Team Marquez will wake up and realize that they’re going nowhere while sitting on the sidelines. Get in the game and play ball fellas. There’s no telling how long people will want to see a 32-year old counter punching featherweight when there are always younger hungrier fighters coming through the ranks.
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