Nonboxing sports fans are incredibly disappointed to hear that a third bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez looks like it will become a reality.

While everyone is clamoring for Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., truth is we gotta believe that fight is at least a year away from being made...if ever.

And if we’re forced to watch Pacquiao in against someone, why not Marquez? My biggest complaint about the fight with “Sugar” Shane Mosley was that it didn’t appear like Mosley was trying to win but to simply survive. We know Marquez is coming to fight.

And why not? In his heart of hearts, he believes he has beaten Pacquiao in the first 24 rounds they’ve fought. I disagree, but that means nothing because Marquez believes it. With that type of belief, he is not going to backpedal come November 12.

There were talks about a Marquez and Zab Judah fight in the summer. That was kind of interesting but now word is Marquez would like to get some work in against David Diaz (possibly) in July. Diaz is gritty but limited in his skill. He earned more fans in his Pacquiao loss than he probably did in any of his wins.

It’s a pleasant surprise to hear this third fight will happen. The weight—144 pounds—might be a bit much for Marquez. The age is another factor, but Marquez has always had the style to disrupt Pacman.

Incredibly early for any predictions, but I think Pacquiao gets his knockout in this one. I also believe it’s going to be a fun and entertaining battle just like the first two. Styles make fights and these guys are great for each other.

Marquez has been down four times against Pacquiao and hurt on a couple of other occasions in the bouts, but he’s got that warrior spirit. Now if we hear a Mayweather and Victor Ortiz bout comes to fruition, then we really got something to talk about.

Part of the thing for Mayweather and Pacquiao is when they become more active, then I’ll believe we’re closer to fight time. Pacquiao fighting twice this year is a good sign. If Mayweather gets back in the ring, that would be even better. Neither is going to enter the most lucrative fight of their career not sharp.

So we might still be a year from the “dream” match, but this isn’t a bad “tune-up” with Pacquiao and Marquez III.