Boxing: Morales claims to be best

Morales, best known for his trilogy of thilling fights with current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, is currently preparing for his April 9 junior-welterweight showdown with Marcos Maidana.

A former world champion in three different divisions, Morales is facing the fourth fight of a comeback which began last year, but isn't short on confidence ahead of the Las Vegas fight.

He said: "I'm back because I want to be back and I'm ready. Other opponents were offered to me, but Maidana is a great opponent for me and who I want to fight.

"I've had a chance to rest and I'm ready to be a champion again.

"Why shouldn't I come back? I didn't deserve to go out like I did. I have goals to reach. With hard work and dedication, I know I will reach them.

"I can't think of anyone [in boxing] who is technically better than me."

Meanwhile, Maidana, beaten by Briton Amir Khan last time out in December, says he is targeting a knockout win.

The Argentine said: "I'm proud to be here facing Erik Morales. Beating a legend like him would help me build myself up to where I want to be.

"I have a lot of anger in me. I want to knock out my opponent. It's what a have to do.

"I don't think he will be able to withstand my pressure. I didn't ask for the fight, Morales did and I accepted."

Briton Matthew Macklin fights former world champion Ronald 'Winky' Wright on the undercard.

And Wright, who is returning to the ring after a near-two-year break, insists he will have shaken off the rust by then.

"I am not going to lie and say getting back in the gym has been easy. It has been a challenge getting back into running, boxing and strength training.

"However, come April 9, I have no doubt in my mind I will be ready."