Juan Manuel Marquez is not yet ready to hang up his boxing gloves as reports revealed he is still planning to have two more fights before ending his illustrious career.
And according to World Boxing News, Marquez is considering facing Filipino nemesis Manny Pacquiao for the fifth time or go up against Timothy Bradley to avenge his defeat during their first fight.
Marquez, who holds a 56-7 record with 40 knockout victories, fought Pacquiao four times before. The first fight, which took place in May 2004, ended in a split draw -- a decision that sparked boxing controversy.
Pacquiao could have won the fight had judge Burt Clements scored the fight correctly. Clements admitted that he made a mistake in his 113-113 decision, which should have been 113-112 after Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round of the match.
Pacquiao won in the next two fights via close decision, but most boxing analysts are convinced that both fights could have gone either way. After the draw and two defeats, Marquez got vindication when he knocked Pacquiao out cold in the sixth round of their fourth fight in December 2012 to earn bragging rights over his biggest rival.
Following his victory against Pacquiao, Marquez fought Bradley for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title. The Mexican boxing warrior took a unanimous decision loss and failed in his bid to win world titles in five different weight classes.
Marquez bounced back with a lopsided decision win against Mike Alvarado in May 2014, but has not fought since then. Rumors suggested that he will retire, but Marquez made it clear that he wants to fight again because he is determined to win his fifth world title in as many divisions.
"I still have the hunger, I still possess the ambition and I still have the fire," Marquez said. "First and foremost I'm a fighter with the heart and the mentality of a fighter. I want that fifth Championship. For me hunger for success is the most telling factor."
Marquez said that he could make his return to the ring either in October or November as he is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained during the fight against Alvarado.
"The right kneecap isn't in the proper place and I'm in rehab to treat it," Marquez said. "My doctor advises me that surgery isn't necessary. It's a question of rehabilitation carefully and constantly following the program of exercises so the knee responds properly."
Click on this link for more Sports News & Updates from Christianity Daily.
