Marquez gung-ho for Pacquiao after defending title

Juan Manuel Marquez has set his sights on fighting Manny Pacquiao for a third time after defending his lightweight title on Saturday night.

Marquez stopped Michael Katsidis in the ninth round in Las Vegas, winning a thrilling fight but was quick to turn his attention to the another cut at the best in the business.

‘Obviously, Pacquiao is my priority. I'll go up to 140 (pounds), it's no problem,’ Marquez said.

‘Stop making excuses, Manny. Fight me.’

The two fighters have met twice before, both very close encounters. They drew after 12 rounds in 2004 and four years later Pacquiao won a close split decision.

Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has admitted a third fight with Marquez is a possibility, but Floyd Mayweather Jr stepping into the ring with the congressman of Sarangani province.

‘Mayweather is the priority, but if he doesn't want the fight for whatever reason, then there are three possibilities: Mosley, Berto and Marquez,’ Arum said.

‘All I need is two numbers at this stage to go to Pacquiao on: what guarantee they're looking for and how much per home above a certain number (on the pay-per-view).’