Marquez has agreed to terms and Golden Boy Promotions who had the ability to match any offer made to Marquez has decided to decline on that.
The only thing remaining is Pacquiao agreeing to the fight.
Pacquiao’s other options are Tim Bradley and Zab Judah, while I would prefer for him to fight Bradley, Marquez is the bigger money fight and the fight the general public would like to see if they can’t get a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
Marquez is the last fighter to give Pacquiao any problems at all, but most people believe Marquez who will be moving up from 135 to 144 pounds will get destroyed by the younger and bigger Pacquiao.
I do know one thing, Marquez will not just be looking to cash a check like Joshua Clottey and Shane Mosley. He truly thinks he can beat Pacquiao (there first two fights ended in disputed draw and split decision for Pacquiao). For the record I thought Pacquiao won the fight fight but lost the second one.
The date of the bout would be November 12th in Las Vegas (hot tub back on deck). Marquez would take an interim fight against David Diaz and as long as he wins that he would be set to go.
Since I know I will get the question if Pacquiao were to win and Mayweather escapes his legal woes, the earliest they could meet is Spring 2012 even though I wouldn’t hold my breath.