Manny Pacquiao: Rematch with Bradley Is More Exciting Than 4th Marquez Fight

I have no interest in seeing Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez beat each other up for a fourth time. It's not that the fight wouldn't be entertaining, but what would it prove?

Nothing, in my mind—but Bob Arum is said to prefer another meeting with Marquez over a Bradley rematch. Ben Thompson of Fighthype.com reports, "It appears that promoter Bob Arum may prefer for Pacquiao's long-time rival Juan Manuel Marquez to get the assignment ahead of Bradley."

Pacquiao leads their rivalry with two wins, no losses and one draw, even if many don't think he won the last fight. If Marquez won the fourth fight, it would likely signal the end of both their careers.

Marquez would have the signature win he's been chasing, and Manny would clearly need to turn his attention to politics full time in this scenario. Even then, we couldn't say definitively who the better fighter was.

How does that benefit the sport? It doesn't, in my opinion.

As much as people are enraged over the Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley decision, their rematch is still the better fight. Like it or not, Bradley is 29-0, and he defeated Pacquiao on June 9.

Whether you want to see him prove it wasn't a fluke or you want to see Pacquiao thrash him, it's still the most compelling fight. 

If Pacquiao defeats Bradley convincingly, most likely by a knockout, then he has wiped away any ill feelings fans may have. In most fans' eyes, he would be vindicated.

Moving on to Marquez would leave a huge hole in this chapter of boxing. That isn't ideal because this issue needs closure.

Not fighting Bradley would be hypocritical of Manny. Many people believe that Marquez beat him in at least one of their prior meetings. Marquez has given him a rematch; Manny should do the same for Bradley—and for the sport.

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports Video Games

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay