Potential rematch doesn’t cloud focus

The majority of boxing fans are glad to see Manny Pacquiao back in the ring Saturday. They just wish it wasn't against David Diaz.

They would prefer to see Pacquiao fight Juan Manuel Marquez a third time. Pacquiao said be patient, it will happen.

"It's up to my promoter," Pacquiao said, referring to Top Rank president Bob Arum. "But, yeah, I'll fight him again."

Pacquiao and Diaz arrived in Las Vegas on Tuesday for Saturday's 135-pound showdown at Mandalay Bay Events Center, where Diaz's WBC lightweight title will be at stake. Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 knockouts) said he's not looking past Diaz toward a third fight with Marquez. But he understands why boxing fans want to see him in the ring with Marquez.

"It was a good fight," Pacquiao said. "I've watched the tape several times, and it was a very tough fight, one of my toughest. But I think I won."

Arum said assuming Pacquiao defeats Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs) and wins a planned fight for October against an opponent to be determined, and Marquez defeats Joel Casamayor on Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden, he could see Pacquiao-Marquez III in 2009, perhaps in February.

"It makes sense to wait because we'll have new elements to promote," Arum said. "With both fighters at 135, there's a lot more conjecture. Now, it's a real story."

The history between the two makes for a good story, too. Their first meeting in 2004 at 125 pounds ended in a 12-round draw after Marquez survived three knockdowns.

Their rematch on March 15 at Mandalay Bay, which saw Pacquiao win a 12-round split decision and take Marquez's WBC super featherweight belt, is a strong candidate for 2008 Fight of the Year honors.

It was nonstop action from the opening bell, and after two judges split their 115-112 scorecards between the two fighters, Pacquiao was the winner by virtue of a 114-113 scoring decision by Ohio judge Tom Miller.

Freddie Roach, who trains Pacquiao, said he hasn't seen any after-effects from the Marquez fight in Pacquiao's preparations for Diaz.

"It was business as usual," Roach said. "There was no slowing down whatsoever. He looks fine to me."

Roach said if Marquez wants to fight at 135 pounds, he doesn't see any reason why Pacquiao wouldn't accommodate him.

"He has to get by Casamayor first, and that won't be easy because Casamayor has that awkward style," Roach said. "But if Manny wins and Marquez wins, sure, I can see them fighting next year."

Even Diaz wouldn't mind watching Pacquiao and Marquez have one final go-round.

"As a fight fan, I would love to see them fight again," Diaz said. "But I hope the people will come watch me fight Manny on Saturday."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.