By Hesiquio Balderas

WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5, 38KOs) is ready to fight Erik Morales (51-6, 35KOs). He wants the fight, he is ready for the challenge, but wants to be certain that all of the details are solved. The fight would take place on April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the WBC's Diamond Title at 140-pounds.

''The fight is not a go yet. Those rumors are false because there is nothing on paper yet, which is why I want to sign the contract to fight Morales. I think this is a good fight for the fans and I want him next," Marquez explained during a recent televised appearance.

''The thing is, there are two contracts, and I want to be specific about it so the fans know what is going on. The first contract is for the fight and that is the one I want to sign. The second contract is for the promotion of the fight, and that one can wait a little bit. I hope the fight gets made soon so I can start training camp."

Editor's Note: Morales claims that he already signed his first contract and began training camp in Mexico last week.