Five years ago, Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez delivered a punch that was heard around the world — a bone-jarring counter right hand that knocked archrival Manny Pacquiao out cold for almost two minutes.
The knockout victory was so satisfying for Marquez that he even recently claimed having turned down a $100 million offer to face Pacquiao in the Philippines for a fifth match.
"There was an offer for a fifth fight against Pacquiao in the Philippines for $100 million dollars, and I refused in order to keep my honor and the glory of the fourth fight from 2012," said Marquez in an interview with ESPN Deportes.
Marquez had been obsessing over recording a convincing win over the Filipino boxer since being frustrated with a draw and two controversial losses in three fights.
He finally got his wish in their fourth match.
Despite being hurt and out landed from the opening bell, Marquez mustered enough strength to finally conquer his tormentor. After a few more fights, he then retired from active competition with the image of Pacquiao face first on the canvass being the defining factor of his long and illustrious career.
The Mexican further added that it is no longer worth risking serious injury or enduring another controversial loss by fighting Pacquiao in his home turf — even if it means getting paid $100 million.
"It's a lot of money — but honor, pride and what we did is more important than doing a fifth fight. Let's pretend that the fifth fight would happen. How about if I get robbed in the fight, we do not know what can happen, he's capable of hitting me with the right shot and hurting me badly." he said.
The future hall of famer firmly stated that there is no amount of money that can replace the glory of his 2012 victory.
