MANILA, Philippines - Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez believes he has the leverage in negotiations for a potential fourth fight against his rival, Filipino boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Marquez lost to Pacquiao in their trilogy bout last Saturday in Las Vegas, with the Filipino icon taking home a controversial majority decision victory.
Their two other fights also had controversial results, with their first meeting in 2004 ending in a draw while their 2008 rematch resulting in a split decision win for Pacquiao.
Marquez stormed out of the ring after the decision was announced and later said that he was once again robbed of the victory. Pacquiao, for his part, said immediately that he was willing to give Marquez another fight.
Pacquiao's promoter, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, said last Tuesday that they are already pursuing a fourth fight.
Marquez was quoted by Boxing Scene as saying, "Now the ball is in my court," regarding the negotiations for a fourth fight.
The contract for Pacquiao-Marquez III included a rematch clause in case Marquez pulled off the upset, where he will be guaranteed $10-million for the fourth installment. Marquez was guaranteed $5-million in the trilogy bout.
"I think the fourth fight should be in Mexico, under my conditions," Marquez said.
Marquez's trainer, Nacho Beristain, has said that they may pursue legal action against the judges in the fight, who scored the bout 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 for Pacquiao.
Arum has not yet responded to Marquez's comments regarding the fourth fight.
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