Marquez is reacting to persistent rumors that he is facing Pacquiao for the fifth time as soon as the Filipino boxer recovers from his shoulder injury and certified ready for his return fight early next year.
“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 as reported on Boxing Scene.
“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.
Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has recently listed five possible opponents for Pacquiao which include Amir Khan, Terence Crawford, Kell Brook, Lucas Matthysse and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Looking at the challengers’ profiles and affiliations with their respective boxing promoters, it appears Matthysse and Crawford will remain in the list when the promoters go through the process of elimination.
Pacquiao, who is busy with charity work as well as politics, is reportedly flying to the U.S. in the next few days to receive the “Game Changer of the Year” award from Asia Society at the United Nations on Oct. 13.
Arum has been urging Pacquiao to report to his orthopedic doctor in Los Angeles for post surgical check up following his surgery last May to repair his torn shoulder rotator cuff. Pacquiao is expected to heed Arum’s advice and report to the clinic on his way back.
