Boxing News 2014: Juan Manuel Marquez Has No Interest in Ruslan Provodnikov, Wants Fifth Title or Retirement

Ruslan Provodnikov recently challenged Juan Manuel Marquez to a title showdown this year, but the Mexican boxing icon insisted that he is not interested in facing the Russian champion.

Provodnikov called Marquez out again on Wednesday and said that the Mexican former champion will prove he is afraid of him if Marquez decides to snub his challenge again. Marquez responded to the statement of the Russian champion, saying that he will gain nothing from Provodnikov.

See Related: Ruslan Provodnikov: Juan Manuel Marquez Is Afraid of Me if He Doesn't Agree to Fight Me 

The 40-year-old Mexican said the he respects Provodnikov and considers him as one of the best fighters today, but insisted that he is in the stage of his career in which he is looking for a fight that would further cement his boxing legacy.

"Provodnikov is a great fighter, he demonstrated that with Bradley. He is very strong, I think the challenge is there, and I have never ignored anyone - but right now I'm at a stage in my career where I want something that helps me in leaving a legacy," Marquez told BoxingScene.

The Mexican boxing legend has Timothy Bradley on top of his list, as he is aching to get back at the undefeated Bradley for an earlier defeat he suffered at his hands. Marquez felt that he was robbed of a win during their WBO welterweight title showdown in October.

However, Marquez will have to wait before having the chance to avenge his loss, since Bradley is set to face Manny Pacquiao in a rematch on April 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

With the Bradley rematch not feasible in the next few months, Marquez wants to go either with his second or third option - to win a fifth title in five different divisions or to hang up his boxing gloves for good.

Provodnikov is the reigning light welterweight champion, but Marquez said that he will gain nothing even if he wins against the Russian brawler since he already held the title before.

"I want that fifth championship, and if that does not exist for me then I'm closer to retirement," Marquez stressed. "I would gain nothing by fighting with Provodnikov for a title that I already owned. I want something that transcends, for the history of my career and my country. I'm looking to leave a legacy in boxing."