Top Rank Hoping for Pacquiao vs. Marquez V?
Juan Manuel Marquez is set to face Mike Alvarado in an HBO televised fight on May 17 in Los Angeles. It’s an attractive fight based on styles alone, as Alvarado loves to mix it up, and Marquez is no stranger either, particularly when he has a willing opponent.
Even bigger than Marquez vs. Alvarado being announced though is the news that the winner will face the winner of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley rematch.
The possibilities are endless here, but Top Rank certainly seems to be hoping for a Pacquiao vs. Marquez V extravaganza. In the fourth fight of their epic series, in December 2012, Marquez brutally knocked out Pacquiao after being on the wrong end of three close, disputed decisions (one draw and two losses).
The defeat nearly sent Pacquiao into retirement, but instead he took off a year, and came back with an easy win against Brandon Rios.
Another rematch is possible though, should Marquez and Bradley win their respective fights. Bradley took home a close decision against Marquez in their October 2013 match, another loss which Marquez disputes. Bradley vs. Marquez II would be nice, but it certainly doesn’t have the star power or appeal of a fifth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez.
If Alvarado manages pulls off a huge upset against Marquez, then he would get his first shot at either Pacquiao or Bradley. But that has to be seen as the least likely of all the scenarios. Marquez is such a pinpoint counterpuncher and is so technically refined, he should be able to pick apart Alvarado.
I wouldn’t expect there to be a loser’s bracket here — unless Pacquiao and Marquez both lose, in which case Top Rank has an excuse to put together Pacquiao vs. Marquez 5 either way! This also solidifies (shockingly, I know) that there’s no way that we see Pacquiao take on Floyd Mayweather this year.
