Sunday 13 April 2014 17:38, UK
Manny Pacquiao believes he can carry on fighting for another two years after his victory over Timothy Bradley – and that could mean a fifth showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez.
The Filipino regained the WBO welterweight title with a unanimous points victory over the previously unbeaten Bradley, avenging a loss to the same opponent in 2012 in the process.
I'm so happy to be world champion again. Tim Bradley was not an easy fight.
In their last meeting it had been the American who had got the nod from the judges, but this time around ‘Pac Man’ was rewarded for his dominance in the second half of the bout with verdicts of 116-112 (twice) and 118-110.
"I'm so happy to be world champion again. Tim Bradley was not an easy fight,” Pacquiao said afterwards.
"Bradley is better from the first fight. He hurt me on the chin. I knew I had to do more this time than I did the last time."
The result will raise again the possibility of Pacquiao facing Floyd Mayweather in a money-spinning fight that has been talked about for several years.
However, a more likely option for the 35-year-old is another meeting with Marquez; the pair have fought on four occasions in the past, the first instalment back in 2004 ending in a draw.
Pacquiao won the next two bouts but suffered a stunning sixth-round knockout at the hands of the Mexican two years ago. It led to some suggesting the end could be nigh for the modern-day legend, yet he has since chalked up back-to-back points victories.
"I think I can go another two years," Pacquaio - who also got the better of Brandon Rios last November - said of his future.
As for another clash with Marquez, who is scheduled to take on Mike Alvarado next month, he added: "I have no problem with fighting Marquez again.”
