Juan Manuel Marquez could return to the ring in 2016

Mexican sensation Juan Manuel Marquez could return to the ring in 2016.

Marquez (57-7, 40 KO’s) has not fought in over 17 months since he defeated former interim WBO super lightweight champion Mike Alvarado last October.

However, that could soon change according to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who told Mike Coppinger of USA TODAY Sports that he expects the 42-year-old Marquez to fight on one condition – or maybe more.

“If [Brandon] Rios beats [Timothy] Bradley, I would do Rios and Marquez. That would be a great fight.”

A rematch against Bradley is also an option, but as early as July, Bradley stated his interest in moving up to the super welterweight division to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

On the other hand, the winner of Cotto-Canelo on November 21 to be held at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will be obligated to fight middleweight king Gennady Golovkin, though both would likely impose catch-weights, and Golovkin’s team stated earlier this week that they would not accept such a deal.

Marquez is endeavouring to become the first Mexican fighter to win world honors in five different weight classes. Although he finally got his victory over Manny Pacquiao in brutal fashion in a sixth-round KO in 2012, the bout was for the WBO “Champion of the Decade” belt as the regular world title was in the hands of Timothy Bradley after a controversial decision earned him the victory over Pacquiao earlier that summer.

Unfortunately for the fans that want to see Pacquiao-Marquez V, it is unlikely.

“Todd [duBoef] called me and said, ‘What are you doing counting out Marquez,” Arum recalled.

“But I’m counting him out because I don’t think he really wants it. That would be Manny’s first choice. And Marquez, unlike a lot of the fighters, is extremely well off. He’s done good stuff with his money; he’s smart, he’s not driven by money, and so, therefore, upping the ante on the money isn’t going to do it. And I think ultimately the knee isn’t 100%.”

If Marquez is dying to get back in the ring, a fight that could serve as a decent entree would be Marquez-Khan.

Khan is the Silver champion and has not fought since April when he defeated former world champion Chris Algieri. It would be a quintessential opportunity for Marquez to prove that his counter-punching abilities are still game against a fighter who is known for leaving himself open for a big punch.

If it does not happen, oh well, he is still a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

– Ryan O’Hara @OHaraSports