Earlier, Arum has come up with a shortlist of possible opponents for Pacquiao’s return fight early next year which include Amir Khan, Kell Brook,Terence Crawford, Lucas Matthysse and Juan Manue Marquez.
When asked who in the shortlist he wants Pacquiao to face in his return fight early next year, Roach answered Marquez without hesitation.
But Marquez has repeatedly said that he does not want to fight Pacquiao anymore stating, there is nothing more to prove who is the better fighter between them following his stunning knockout win against the Filipino boxing star in 2012.
“Well Bob (Arum) tells me he does. But out of those names, I want the easiest fight for Manny and we can get back on track. So I think he is the easiest opponent of those guys,” Roach told Boxing Scene.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Marquez said he prefers to see Pacquiao takes on new challenges and even recommended three challengers who are in the list.
“I am no longer on the radar of Pacquiao. I want to see Pacquiao face new challenges like Kell Brook or Terence Crawford, or even Danny Garcia. They are unbeaten opponents with quality, and they would certainly serve the purpose in proving that he is still not done in terms of competing in the big leagues,” Marquez told ESPN Deportes
“He can still compete with anyone. The loss to Mayweather does not mean that he is finished. You have to compete with the best, but with fights that I previously mentioned he can show that he is still that same fighter,” Marquez added.
Marquez has not fought for over a year due to his recurring knee injury. His last fight was against Mike Alvarado in May last year which he won via a unanimous decision.
