By Michael Rosenthal, The Ring
Erik Morales, the last fighter to beat Manny Pacquiao, says he wants another shot at the Filipino champion.
The three-division titleholder from Mexico, who is 33, returns from a 2½-year layoff to face Jose Alfaro on a pay-per-view show March 27 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Morales, then a junior lightweight, outpointed Pacquiao in 2005 in Las Vegas before being stopped twice by Pacquiao at the same weight the following year.
The San Diego resident fought once more, losing a decision at lightweight to David Diaz, and then announced his retirement. He has lost five of his last six fights.
Now Morales (48-6, 34 knockouts) insists he’ll be a new man at 147 pounds. He wants to become the first Mexican to win major titles in four weight classes.
“The two opponents who have defined my career are Junior Jones and Manny Pacquaio,” Morales said. “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 remember seeing him cry after our fight. 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. First, though, is my fight against Jose Alfaro on March 27 in Monterrey on pay per view. Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best, he has a big heart into the ring, and always gives fans everything he has.”
Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs) briefly held a junior lightweight title in 2007. The Nicaraguan is coming of a 10th-round knockout loss to Antonio DeMarco in October.
In the co-feature, Hugo Garay (32-4, 17 KOs) faces Chris Henry (24-2, 19 KOs) in a light heavyweight title eliminator.
Source: ringtv.com
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