Pacquiao vs Marquez III will be at 145 lbs

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will face Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez in a 145-pound catch weight fight if proposed by the press, Pacquiao's adviser Michael Koncz said.

Marquez, who fought Pacquiao in two tight battles, reportedly asked the Filipino champion to go down to 143 lbs to make their third fight.

Koncz, however, said Pacquiao Marquez fight not a loss any less than 145 lbs.

"It was 145, not 143. We have general discussed with [Top Rank CEO] Bob Arum, but we sit down, Manny and me, in a decision," said Koncz on BoxingScene.com.

Pacquiao, who recently defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Shane Mosley, is currently fighting to 147 lbs.

Marquez, the reigning WBO and World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion, is considered by many experts as the best opponent for Pacquiao fight in the absence of the pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The Mexican Pacquiao first met in 2004 in a battle that ended in a controversial draw.

They fought again four years later, when Pacquiao eked out a split decision to remove Marquez WBC super featherweight title.

Arum is currently in the third fight between two boxers to settle.

Koncz Arum said they just wait for the options available to fight Marquez.

"I do not think there is a rush to do it," said Koncz. "Let Manny have some rest and spend some time with his family after spending long, hard week of training camp. We will not make a decision until this week."