World Boxing Council (WBC) super-featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez says that a fight with Manny Pacquiao is his top priority, and something that should be given to the fans.
Marquez also told his compatriot Humberto Soto, who is aching for a fight with the reigning champion, to fall in line and wait for his turn.
“I believe that the biggest fight for me out there is against Manny Pacquiao and it’s the one that people want to see,” Marquez told the Mexican press. “Humberto Soto right now should wait for his chance; right now we want the great fights,” Marquez added.
The 130-lb title-holder also indicated that a fight with Pacquiao is now at the hands of their respective handlers, and that the details are just being ironed out.
Marquez has a September 15 date with HBO for his next titular defense set for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and a fight with Pacquiao is at the top of his plans.
As for Marco Antonio Barrera, Marquez informed that he would be more than willing to give the former champion a rematch, but if Barrera wants to move in another direction, then Marquez says he is the champion and there are other big fights out there that can be made.
Pacquiao plans to fly to the United States end of this month to take a much-deserved vacation following his electoral defeat, and then confer with his promoter Bob Arum as to his next fight.
Arum had earlier indicated that Marquez was demanding too much money for a fight with Pacquiao, making him almost ineligible to get a crack at the Filipino icon.
Names being floated for the Pacman include Joan Guzman, Edwin Valero, Humberto Soto and Marco Antonio Barrera.
