Arum wants Marquez IV, but Freddie Roach says "Manny and I want to fight Mayweather next"

Contrary to all the reports lately that Team Pacquiao is committed to a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Foxsports’ Mark Kriegel is reporting that in an interview today Freddie Roach made clear that he and Manny Pacquiao both prefer fighting Floyd Mayweather next — not a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. According to Kriegel:

When asked whom he wants for Pacquiao’s next opponent, Roach said emphatically: “Floyd Mayweather.”

When asked whom Pacquiao wanted next, he responded again: “Floyd Mayweather.”

Kriegel goes on to quote Roach as saying that he was aware that right after the fight on Saturday night, Bob Arum began talking up a fourth fight with Marquez. ‘We don’t need Mayweather. We can do a fourth fight,’ ” Roach quoted Arum as saying. “That’s what he said in the ring.”

He quotes Roach as going on to say:

At some point, Roach argued, “Bob has to give Manny what he wants. If Manny says, ‘I want Mayweather,’ Bob will have to give him Mayweather.”

In other words, it comes down to how hard Pacquiao pushes for the Mayweather fight.

“He needs to be pushy,” said Roach. “He’s got to step up and tell (Arum) who he wants to fight.”

“Freddie can say whatever he wants,” said Arum. “I’m going to sit with Manny and do whatever Manny wants to do.”

 

There is a great deal more to ponder in Kriegel’s interesting and credible report, including details on various disturbing conflicts in the Pacquiao camp that fill in the gaps on a number a rumors that have been swirling.  Read the full article

Tough Choices Ahead for Pacquiao

Meanwhile, here is Roach giving his thoughts on what happened Saturday. The most interesting point he makes is that he may have inadvertently done Manny a disservice by letting him start sparring 10 weeks out, instead of six.