Juan Manuel Marquez And Andre Berto Both Want Match With Manny Pacquiao

9:08 PM // 0 comments // Ian Purugganan // Category: Berto , Marquez , Pacquiao //

[Sports.Inquirer.Net] Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez recovered from a third round knockdown to stop Australian Michael Katsidis in the ninth and retain his WBA and WBO lightweight titles in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Immediately after the victory, Marquez called for a third fight with eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.

Pacquiao and Marquez drew their first bout in 2004, and Pacquiao won a split decision in a rematch four years later.

“We know Pacquiao is avoiding us,” said Marquez afterward. “A third fight is what the public wants.”

In the undercard, unbeaten American Andre Berto impressively defended his World Boxing Council welterweight belt, stopping Freddy Hernandez at 2:07 in the first round.

Berto improved to 27-0 with 21 knockouts.

Berto was later quoted by Fighthype as saying: “I think I would definitely be the best fight out there for him
(Pacquiao). He needs somebody with speed, he needs somebody young, he needs somebody strong, and we’re going to see what happens.”

After a fast-paced opening two rounds, in which Mexican Marquez landed blistering counter combinations as his
Australian challenger pressed forward, Katsidis, 27-3 (22 KOs) dropped Marquez in round three with a short left hook.

The champion appeared badly hurt but was able to survive the onslaught and by the end of the round was troubling his opponent with pinpoint punches to the body and head.

Katsidis continued to swarm forward aggressively, throwing a high volume of punches, but Marquez, 52-5-1 (38 KOs) responded with devastatingly accurate counters.

In the ninth, Marquez stepped up the pressure, landing with combinations and backing Katsidis across the ring. As
Marquez continued to land at will, referee Kenny Bayless called a halt to the contest.

Katsidis was fighting despite the death of his brother, Stathi, last month. Stathi, a professional jockey, was found dead in his Brisbane home on Oct. 19 from as yet undisclosed causes.

“I went through a lot to make it to this fight,” Katsidis admitted afterward. “It was a hard thing to even make it through this fight,” he added tearfully.

Pacquiao has repeatedly said that he is willing to face anybody lined up for him by his promoter (Bob Arum).

In Marquez’s case, Pacquiao wants a guaranteed purse and said the Mexican’s camp should undertake all the promotional aspect of the bout which could be done from 140-147 pounds.