By Gareth A Davies, Telegraph.co.uk
Erik Morales expressed his desire for a rematch with Manny Pacquiao as he prepares to return to the ring after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Poppycock. Yes, they had memorable battles, but those inside boxing know that Morales’s best days are well behind him. In the thirty months he has been away, Pacquiao has gained in thought and deed. The idea of matching them now seems ludicrous.
But Morales versus Ricky Hatton at 147lbs, might not be such a bad idea. ‘El Terrible’ (48-6, 34 KOs) remains the last man to beat the current pound for pound No 1 having outpointed Paxquiao when they faced off at the MGM Grand in March 2005. Yes…five years ago.
The three-division world champion is preparing to fight WBA lightweight champion Jose ‘Jicaras’ Alfaro for the vacant WBC intercontinental welterweight crown in March 27 in Monterrey, Mexico. But he is already eyeing future challenges.
At a Televisa event honouring Mexico’s best athletes of the last decade, he said: “The two opponents who have defined my career are Junior Jones and Manny Pacquaio. Defeating Jones was important to me because he had stopped something like 32 Mexicans in previous fights. Defeating Pacquaio is my greatest accomplishment in the ring. I would love another chance at Pacquaio and I also look forward to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez in the future. At 147, I’m faster than ever and freer with my body so I can get the most out of it.”
He added: “Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best. He has a big heart and always gives fans everything he has.”
If Morales comes through the Alfaro challenge, he should look to another challenge. Hatton. If Hatton really is coming back…
Source: blogs.telegraph.co.uk
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