Mexico's boxing icon Juan Manuel Marquez Wednesday officially signed a contract for the third duel with Manny Pacquiao Nov. 12, 2011, most likely to be held in Las Vegas, said Top Rank's president Todd duBoef.
Marquez and Pacquiao initially fought to a draw in 2004, then battled to a split-decision in favor of Pacquiao in 2008. Part three of the trilogy appears destined for MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with Pacquiao's World Boxing Organization welterweight belt on the line.
Pacquiao, considered the world's top pound-for-pound boxer, has consistently dominated the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto since he won over Marquez. His three consecutive unanimous decisions over Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley have been landslides.
On the other hand, Marquez has lost only to the unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr. since his narrow Pacquiao loss, ascending to become world lightweight champion and insisting his style will give Pacquiao fits.
A 144-pound catch weight has been agreed upon.
"I like the fight, how can you not after the first two fights?" said DuBoef, who supervised Marquez's signing at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "The thing I like best about this one is that the fans are encouraged by it.
For this fight, Marquez will get a guaranteed $5 million, plus an unspecified "upside" of pay-per-view sales. Pacquiao's U.S. business advisor met with Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum Tuesday, and the Filipino star boxer will likely sign his deal -- likely to be in the $20-million guaranteed roughly -- later this month in the Philippines.
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