Manny Pacquiao is a boxing superstar looking for a suitable dance partner, and the one Top Rank CEO Bob Arum wants to pair him with is being very difficult. According to The SweetScience.com, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said Juan Manuel Marquez is asking for $20 million to fight Pacman for a fifth time.
Roach insinuated that Marquez's asking price is a way to avoid facing Pacquiao again while keeping his pride intact. "I think he wants to go out on that high note, I really do," Roach said of Marquez and his 2012 knockout win over Manny. Roach then said $10 million would be a reasonable offer to Marquez.
If Roach's comments are true, then Top Rank is likely looking for other opponents already, and there are interesting options now that talks are supposedly open with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. The top two names that arise from Golden Boy are Danny "Swift" Garcia, and Amir "King" Khan. The latter has pined for a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight for a long time, but Pacquiao would likely be a good silver medal.
Unfortunately for Khan, Roach isn't keen on the matchup. "He [Khan] throws combinations and holds now, it's so boring," Roach said. "It's smart but not fun to watch, I don't want to stink the place out."
Roach was decidedly more positive about a matchup with Garcia, who hasn't fought at welterweight before but has several big wins on his resume and a willingness to scrap. "If you're going to cross over, cross over and get me someone exciting. Someone whose going to make a good fight, that's what Manny wants."
Roach also discussed Ruslan Provodnikov, and how he would be entertaining to watch with Pacquiao as well. "I've seen them spar a lot, I think I know what would happen. Ruslan is a dangerous, dangerous guy. He has one punch knockout power and Manny has been knocked out before. It's not an easy fight."
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