Juan Manuel Marquez Won't Give Up on Pacquiao for One Last Fight

Mexican boxing idol Juan Manuel Marquez could not accept the fact that he lost to Manny Pacquiao in their second encounter almost three years ago.

Less than two months before he collides with Michael Katsides for the WBO lightweight title, Marquez is still talking about his burning desire to see him and Manny Pacquiao in a trilogy.

For almost three years, Marquez has been chasing Manny Pacquiao for a third fight. He even flew to Manila to beg Pacquiao for one last fight but the Filipino boxer has since moved up to welterweight, leaving Marquez behind in the lightweight division.

Appearing on ESPN's Golpe a Golpe, Marquez said he will face Pacquiao at a catch weight between 143 or 147 but would prefer 143-144 pounds on fight night.

But the Mexican idol said Pacquiao would have to accept first.

It may be recalled that Marquez fought Mayweather at 143 and he was then complaining about the set weight limit as too heavy for him.

Still Marquez wants a final shot at Pacquiao at the same weight he fought Mayweather though the undefeated boxer finally came out two pounds heavier than the agreed weight.

Marquez (51-5-1, 37 KOs) was Mayweather's first opponent after the undefeated American boxer came out of retirement after almost two years of inactivity.

Mayweather has been widely criticized for coming up two pounds over the agreed weight and paying Marquez a $600,000 penalty for the two-pound excess.

Marquez reportedly made almost $4 million including the penalty, while Mayweather made $10 million for a fight that generated about $1 million in pay-per-view buys.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer said Marquez has accepted the terms of a deal to defend his WBO belt against Katsides, the all-action Australian slugger

After failing to interest Manny Pacquiao in a third fight, Marquez agreed to a mandatory title defense against Katsides (27-2, 22 KOs), who has revitalized his career with four straight victories following back-to-back losses to Joel Casamayor and Diaz.

A win over Michael Katsides will most likely give Marquez a shot in the arm in his sustained effort at having another crack at Pacquiao.

It may be recalled that Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum said earlier he will have another opportunity to face Pacquiao for the last time if he can show and prove his ability to fight and win over opponents in the welterweight or even in the light middleweight divisions where Pacquiao is now fighting.

But now Marquez is facing Michael Katsides who is fighting in the lightweight division.

On the other hand, Marquez could emerge as Pacquiao's potential opponent next year since Floyd Mayweather, Jr has been embroiled in a domestic lawsuit which could prevent the undefeated boxer from actively training for his next fight.

Marquez is a recognized crowd drawer and promoter Bob Arum may just give Pacquiao a green light for the much-desired trilogy with the popular Mexican boxer.

Aside from Marquez, Pacquiao's next potential opponents include Cotto, Martinez, Berto, and Mosley, among others.