The much-anticipated comeback of former four-division boxing world champion Juan Manuel Marquez is expected to happen next year, boxing writer Steve Kim reported.

The 41-year-old boxer is anticipated to show the world yet again that he is one of the fiercest and most talented fighters there is. In a report by Boxing News no opponent has been lined up for the fighter but Marquez has already expressed his intention to face one of the welterweight champions.

With his return to the ring next year, here are some of the top prospects for Marquez:

1. Manny Pacquiao - A fifth installment on their duel is not bad considering that their last matchup ended tragically for Pacquiao as he was knocked down on the canvas and unconscious for a few minutes by the Mexican fighter. According to Boxing News, Bob Arum has expressed that Marquez would likely bet his money on Pacquaio though earlier reports said that the camp of the Mexican boxer is already hesitant to face the Filipino champ.

Arum, on the other hand, told Boxing News that this will help boost both fighters' dwindling pay-per-view numbers.

2. Kell Brook - Marquez would also want a shot at Brook considering that he is the IBF welterweight champion. But Boxing News said that Eddie Hearn, Brook's promoter may not push for this match as he is still working out for a fight versus Amir Khan. Reports speculate that the two will not face inside the ring prior to a Khan matchup.

3. Brandon Rios - In May, Rios said that he wants to fight Marquez. A separate Boxing News article reported that Rios does not want to see Marquez fight Pacquiao for the fifth time claiming he can knock down the Mexican fighter based from his performance in his win against Mike Alvarado.

"I don't want to see Marquez vs. Pacquiao. I want to see Marquez vs. Rios. I'll be a different outcome [than the Marquez-Alvarado fight]. I'll be ready. I'll fight him 100%. I'll charge his a**," Rios added.

4. Timothy Bradley - The split decision win by Bradley in 2013 was too much to take for Marquez who claimed that he could have won. Sealing a fight with Bradley would seem to be a very good chance for Marquez to redeem his name.

"I came to win. I felt that I did win," Marquez said. "The judges took it away. You don't have to knock out a guy to win," Marquez told ESPN after losing to Bradley last year.

5. Mikey Garcia - This 26-year-old fighter could be one tough opponent for Marquez as Garcia, according to Bad Left Hook, "generally dismantle good opponents" since he started playing professional boxing in 2012.

Next year would definitely be a Marquez's chance to prove that he is still the witty and strong fighter who has defeated several opponents because of his changing strategies and great gameplay.