Pacman-Marquez III in the works

FORMER World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who has been chasing Manny Pacquiao for a third encounter, may actually get his wish.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has raised the possibility of Pacquiao fighting Marquez for the third time on March 13, 2010, possibly in Dallas, Texas, where a brand-new 50,000-seat stadium being used by the Cowboys, is a site contender. Although Arum indicated that while Dallas is keen on hosting a Pacquiao-Marquez fight, Las Vegas will always remain a front-runner.

Marquez was described as a “cry baby” by trainer Freddie Roach after complaining about his split-decision loss to Pacquiao and a draw in their first meeting.

Arum indicated that should Pacquiao overcome World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in their “Fire Power” showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, a Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy was a distinct possibility, with Mexico’s undefeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. featured in the main supporting bout.

Pacquiao made his first major impact in the US when he demolished Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas in November 2003.

In their first battle on May 8, 2004, Pacquiao dropped Marquez three-times in a blazing first round, but the Mexican fought back gallantly and counter-punched his way to salvage a draw.

In their rematch for the WBC super featherweight crown on March 15, 2008, a third-round knockdown by Pacquiao helped him secure a controversial split-decision win, which Marquez’ camp complained bitterly about and even claimed that Marquez won both fights.

Marquez went up in weight to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., who came out of retirement and handed the Mexican a bad beating in a welterweight title fight.

Before that fight, Marquez told Standard Today he wanted a third fight with Pacquiao very badly. He even came to Manila to confront Pacquiao and demand a third bout.

A third fight would most probably be fought at junior welterweight, but no matter what weight it is, both Roach and conditioning guru Alex Ariza told Standard Today that this time, Pacquiao will knock out Marquez within three rounds at most.