Manila – The World Boxing Council (WBC) President Don Jose Sulaiman gave a piece advice to Mexican boxer Juan Manual Marquez’s next career move after knocking out Filipino boxer and eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao last December – hang up his gloves.
In an interview to Sulaiman by Miguel Rivera of the Boxing Scene, the WBC chief said Marquez shouldn’t entertain at all a fifth fight against his fiercest rival Pacquiao, saying his win in December of the Filipino boxer should already be the culmination of his career.
“The money is a short-term plan, but at 39-years-old with a very beautiful family, you are raising the level of risk to your health,” Sulaiman said. “When you are young, it does not matter, but when you are more advanced in age it can be dangerous.”
“My recommendation to Juan Manuel is sincere, respectful, and affectionate. I recommend it to everyone (in his position),” Sulaiman added.
Sulaiman added that this is the best time for Marquez to retire, after having defeated what is known “the best fighter in the world,” apparently referring to Pacquiao.
“I know (Marquez’s) family, he is an idol in Mexico, but what you have to look at is his age. One bad punch can remove the happiness from his life in the future. There is no point (to keep fighting) is what I mean,” Sulaiman said.
Top Rank is reportedly cooking a fifth fight between Marquez and Pacquiao, reportedly in September. Marquez reportedly turned down a possible fifth fight with the Filipino fighter but Top Rank said it is possible Marquez wanted to have the biggest offer before saying yes.