Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: A Marquez Loss Would Force Pac-Man To Fight Pretty Boy

Not a win, but a loss to Juan Manuel Marquez is what would be most likely to trigger a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather bout.

Pacquiao already has fell three times and taken two draws in his long career.  His record isn’t flawless like Mayweather’s.  A loss to Marquez after their previous tight fights would damage Pacquiao’s boxing legacy.

His first two fights with Marquez went 12 rounds and ended in a draw and a split decision.  They were so close that after the pair of matches, Marquez flew to the Philippines to hand out T-shirts reading “We Were Robbed” and “Marquez Beat Manny Pacquiao Twice.”  If Marquez were to upset Pacquiao, with their past, Manny would be forced to fight Mayweather.

For Pacquiao, a win over Pretty Boy Floyd would be the perfect way to redeem himself.  Of course, a loss would damage his legacy even further, but it would be worth the risk. 

After all, I don’t think Pac-Man wants to be known as one of the greatest boxers of his time, but the greatest boxer.  The only possible way for Pacquiao to achieve that title if he loses to Marquez is if he then goes and knocks off Mayweather.

Sure, if Mayweather and Pacquiao were to fight coming off a Pac-Man victory over Marquez, the hype around the fight would be significantly higher.  But still, after a win, if Pacquiao defeats Marquez, the Filipino won’t be forced to do anything.

If you’re dying to see Pacquiao and Mayweather fight, root for Marquez on Saturday night.

For the latest news and updates on Pacquiao vs. Marquez, and for all the latest news and insight on all things boxing, be sure to check out Bleacher Report's Boxing Central. 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.  Follow him on Twitter.