Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Erik Morales: Done Deal for April 9

The Ring Lightweight World Champion, Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KO's), will face former five-time world champion Erik "El Terrible" Morales (51-6, 35 KO's) on April 9th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  Both fighters are required to make the weight of 140 pounds for the April 9th event.

Juan Manuel Marquez is coming off a tremendous TKO victory over Australia's Michael Katsidis while Erik Morales hasn't impressed the majority of the fans lately. This may end up being a one sided fight, but one thing for sure, both of these warriors have a tremendous heart. However, anything is possible in boxing.

With Erik Morales's heart, he may give Marquez a battle that the fans will soon be talking about.

Although the majority of the Boxing journalist's aren't interested in this fight anymore— they feel the fight should have happened years ago, I believe this is Erik Morales's chance to prove the critics wrong.  It won't be easy, but it shouldn't be impossible either.  Anything is possible and that's what makes boxing so inspirational and great.

This is a fight that Mexican fans will watch—two Mexican warriors in one ring will always give you an exciting battle. 

If Morales loses his fight against Marquez, he should consider hanging up the gloves. He's a legend and has proven to fans that he is a true warrior that never gives up.  April 9 is his chance to shine and get a shot to reach his goal.

Last July, I interviewed Erik Morales and I asked him a few questions and it surprised me that he still wants another shot at Pacquiao.  But he made it crystal clear that he is still not ready to step in the ring against the Pound for Pound king.  If Erik successfully defeats Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik could possibly end up getting another shot at Pacquiao.

Interview With Erik Morales from Last July

Edgar Solorzano: Erik with all the respect, do you want to see the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight?

Erik Morales:  They already agreed?

Edgar Solorzano:  They don’t know yet, but Erik what are the possibilities that you will fight a boxer like Juan Manuel Marquez or Andre Berto in the future?

Erik Morales:  I truly would like to fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, maybe next year I will try to get that fight and make it happen.  For the moment I want to fight in Mexico, we don’t know where yet, I was supposed to fight in Tijuana, but I hurt my hand and now I have interesting offers for August and September and I will see which ones better and recommendable because of my hand injury. And about Andre Berto I never seen him fight, I don’t know who he is.

Edgar Solorzano:  Andre Berto was supposed to fight Shane Mosley in January 31st, but he cancelled the fight because of the tragic earthquake in Haiti.  That’s why Shane Mosley fought Mayweather.  Andre Berto has a record of 26 wins and 20 by KO.  He hasn’t been defeated yet, but who do you think would win (if the fight happens), Mayweather or Pacquiao?

Erik Morales:  I remember who Andre Berto is now, he’s a good boxer but only time will tell if he will be one of the greats in the welterweight division and a lot of people ask me about the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight—I don’t want to make any comments or talk about it until they sign the contracts.

Edgar Solorzano:  I understand and respect your answer. I remember you once said, “Some people feel that Pacquiao was not at his best when I beat him, but I think he was.”  Do you think Pacquiao is the same fighter you fought or do you think Pacquiao’s the same fighter but more famous?

Erik Morales:  It’s crazy for me to say that I’m ready to fight against a fighter like Pacquiao. Maybe next year I will start focusing on fighting the best. Pacquiao has improved a lot and I think he’s worked on things to not be disadvantage in the welterweight division. But I assure you that he still has enough errors for me to beat him.
 

Edgar Solorzano:  Who’s your favorite boxer?

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Erik Morales:  I don’t have a favorite boxer, I admire everyone but that’s about it.

Edgar Solorzano:  What made you come back from retirement ?

Erik Morales:  Well I started boxing at the age of 5 and turned pro at age 16.  I have been doing this my entire life.  And I had to take a break when things were looking ugly. I think it was good that I took that break, because I feel ready and motivated.  I had lost my confidence, but now I feel new and fresh, ready to put the cherry on a cake and look for that 4th world title.

Edgar Solorzano:  Would you like to fight Antonio Margarito?

Erik Morales:  (Hahaha) that was a good one, no he’s not my weight, I fought in the Welterweight but I have to move down in weight.  I fought Antonio Margarito twice in the amateurs and beat him both times.

Edgar Solorzano: (Haha).  What do you think of your performance against Jose Alfaro, was it hard or easy?

Erik Morales:  It was relatively easy, in this sport nothings easy.  I didn’t know how my body was going to respond, and I didn’t know if I could take his punches.  But thank God everything went well.

Edgar Solorzano: What do you think of the Mayweather vs. Mosley fight?  Did he surprise you or you knew he was going to win?

Erik Morales:  I didn’t like the fight without comments.

Edgar Solorzano:  Well Erik, thanks for taking your time for this interview. I wish you good luck and a successful boxing career.

Erik Morales:  Thank you.