WHO YOU LIKE?™ Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez + Andre Ward vs Carl Froch + Bernard Hopkins vs Chad Dawson. Pre-fight coverage from Chelsea Pier, NYC. featuring the Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Jaime Motta (ESPN). “It was very sad for me to see a son talk to his father like Floyd Jr. did to Floyd Sr.” —Bob Arum

Juan Manuel Marquez has signed a contract to fight Manny Pacquaio on Nov. 12, the President of Top Rank Promotions Todd duBoef said.

The bout, which will be the third installment in an already highly-contested and controversial past, will be fought at a catch weight of 144 pounds at the likely location of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In 2004, Pacquaio and Marquez fought to a draw at 126 pounds, followed four years later by Pacman winning a controversial split decision against the Mexican native.

“I like the fight,” DuBoef told the Los Angeles Times. “How can you not after the first two fights? The thing I like best about this one is that fans are encouraged by it.”

“These guys have fought like gladiators over the course of their last 24 rounds together, and I believe we have another 12 more like that ahead of us.”

Although several fight night details remain undecided, such as the premium network the bout will air on, it is clear that Marquez is guaranteed $5 million and a percentage of pay-per-view sales.

As for the network, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum explained to The Times, that regardless of past television deals, the main focus is on promotion.

“We will evaluate whoever is providing the most assets in the publicizing and promotion of the event,” Arum said.

— Alex Neely

Newly crowned IBF light welterweight champion Zab Judah is wasting no time in sparking speculation over his first title defense, according to Main Events Promotion CEO Kathy Duva, adding that they are only interested in “the biggest money fight”.

“The goal now is big fights,” Duva said. “He’s a pay-per-view fighter and he should be in pay-per-view fights.”

With several of the top fighters at 140 pounds either scheduled to fight or involved in negotiations, Duva believes the consensus #1 lightweight (135-pounds), Juan Manuel Marquez, is the most exciting prospect.

“There a few big names out there and right now there aren’t a lot of big fights in boxing and that’s what it needs,” Duva said. “Marquez seems to be the only one available at the moment as a pay-per-view fighter so he would be a logical choice.”

Although Marquez (52-5, 38 KOs) promotional status is uncertain with Golden Boy, Duva explained that regardless of which promotion, Judah’s camp wants the fight.

“I think Marquez clearly has to sort out his promotional situation, but when he does we will be happy to offer the fight to whoever he decides he’d like us to offer it to,” Duva said. “Zab is the champion, if Marquez is available this summer that fits perfectly with our schedule.”

Judah (41-6, 28 KOs), who recently defeated Kaizer Mabuza by technical knockout in the seventh round, expressed the same fervor.

“I like the Marquez fight,” commented Judah. “I like what he is. I like what he’s going to bring to the table. That’s the kind of fight I’m looking for.”

— Alex Neely