14.10.06 – By Sean Ocampo: After being humiliated by Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and Zahir “King” Raheem in his last two fights. Erik “El Terrible” Morales vowed to the boxing public that he will be victorious against his Filipino counterpart Manny Pacquiao in their “Grand Finale” this November. The warrior from the streets of Tijuana, Mexico will try to get back to his roots by reuniting with father and trainer Jose as he try to reclaim lost glory. However, the comeback of “El Terrible” is pretty much questioned by the public. Whether or not he’s still capable of beating the younger and faster Pacquiao?
Erik Morales is a three division champion. He won championships at Super Batamweight, Featherweight and Super Featherweight. With that kind of resume’, he is probably a future hall of famer. But his recent performance against Zahir Raheem and Manny Pacquiao was pretty much not the Morales of old. The “El Terrible” that we once knew is probably on the down side of his boxing career.
The last time Morales tasted victory was against Pacquiao about a year and half ago. He imposed his superior boxing style and was able to counter the faster Pacquiao effectively. But Morales began to decline when he moved up to lightweight to go up against Raheem in what many believed as a tune-up fight.
“El Terrible” got the shock of his life when the underdog Raheem was able to control the pace of the fight and was able to outbox “El Terrible”. It was one of the biggest upsets of last year. However, Morales was still able to get a big money fight rematch with Pacman. He practically picked up where he left off in the last fight and was countering Pacquiao beautifully in the early going. But as the fight progressed, Pacquiao’s body blows and relentless attack finally took its toll to Morales. By the start of the 6th round up to the 10th, Morales was completely smothered with combinations and straight lefts. The great “El Terrible” was finally stopped by Pacman.
Morales put himself to exile after the devastating defeat coming from the Pacman. He spent time with his family and new born baby. But the vacation he took from boxing is also the time for thinking about his career. After a few months of contemplation, Morales finally made his decision to continue fighting and fight Pacquiao in a rubber match.
He is now training in isolation at the Otomi Mountains in his native Mexico. Morales claimed that the only reason why he was stopped by Pacquiao was because he was under trained and not because of Pacquiao’s relentless attack. He wants to prove his critics wrong by winning against his tormentor. He looks in terrific shape and pretty much ready to go this November.
Personally speaking, Morales shouldn’t be counted out because of his devastating loss to Pacquiao. The guy is still in the game and pretty much capable of beating Pacquiao. In some ways, Morales may have decline a bit in his arsenal due to age. After all, Morales is still a great fighter and he may have some tricks left his bag. So, I’m expecting him to be in great shape and ready to rumble with a young hungry lion.
Win or lose Morales has reserved place in the boxing hall of fame. He already cemented his legacy even before Pacquiao stopped him.