Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao still seem likely to fight for a fifth time at some point this year, but representatives for both sides aren't making any guarantees, and are keeping the possibility of interim fights alive.
RingTV.com reports that a fifth fight, as has been frequently discussed recently, will possibly take place outside of the U.S. due to Marquez not wanting to pay the taxes that are required to fight in the States, with Macau and Mexico City being floated as potential homes for the bout.
We've heard a lot about fights taking place away from Las Vegas in the past, too, but the major fights seem to always end up there, in part because the casinos pay big site fees to host the bouts. There's a lot of money in Vegas that just isn't there elsewhere, so don't rule out fight five taking place where the previous four have, at least not yet.
As for interim fights, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz isn't confirming or denying anything, but is keeping the options open in the press:
"Nothing is definite. Manny hasn't made his mind up when he's going to fight or who he's going to fight or where he's going to fight. I'm in negotiations with Top Rank right now on Manny's behalf, but we haven't made any decisions yet."
Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KO) has officially lost two straight fights, though his L against Timothy Bradley last June has been disputed to say the very least.
Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KO) has said repeatedly over the last couple of weeks that he's not interested in fighting Pacquiao again, but most insiders believe the fight is inevitable, as there is simply nothing out there that even approaches the money Marquez can make to fight Manny again, which is what promoter Bob Arum expects to be the real selling point for the Mexican star:
"As long as he’s fighting, he's not a fool. Of course, he's going to fight Manny rather than fight somebody for a lot less money."
A fifth fight has been discussed for September, and could be an absolutely massive bout on Mexican Independence weekend if it does take place in Mexico City.