by James Slater – It has been confirmed by a number of sources (I read it on ESPN.com) that former three-weight world champion Erik Morales is to fight again. All-time great “El Terrible,” now aged 33 and winless in his last four outings, will face former WBA lightweight champion Jose Alfaro of Nicaragua on March 27th in Mexico.
Though his fans will be less than thrilled at how Morales, 48-6(34) has been unable to make his retirement – that was announced shortly after his August 2007 points loss to David Diaz – stick, there is reportedly the possibility Morales may have as many as six further bouts in all. Signed up with Mexican promoter Nacho Huizar, Morales agreed to a six-fight deal, so say ESPN.com; with three fights planned for this year and a further three pencilled in for next year..
Huizar let it be known how he understands six fights is a lot for the warrior with so much wear and tear on his body, and he told ESPN.com that “we’ll see what happens.” Can Morales get past stage one and defeat 26-year-old Alfaro? The upcoming fight is certainly no gimme for Morales, not least due to how much younger Alfaro, 23-5(20) is than him. Also, the former titlist, who last fought in October, losing in the 10th-round to Antonio DeMarco in a WBC 135-pound interim title fight, can punch some.
Indeed, though it’s quite a surprise how Morales is coming back at all after everything he’s achieved (who, for example, will ever forget his great wins over Barrera, Pacquiao, Zaragoza, McCullough, Ayala and so many more?), the fact that he’s coming back against a very much “live” opponent is even more shocking. Though he’s been stopped three times in his five pro losses, Alfaro is a good fighter with plenty of hunger left in him. Holding a number of wins over some good fighters and also having reigned (albeit briefly) as WBA lightweight champion, the man known as “Quiebra Jicara” is clearly a good operator.
The much younger man is also a natural and strong lightweight, whereas Morales has just the one fight at 135-pound under his belt – and that being the loss to Diaz. It’s not clear whether or not the future Hall of Famer needs money, or if he is simply bored in retirement. But should the comeback actually get off the ground with a win, what it will lead to and how it will end, we can only guess. Could a fourth Morales-Barrera clash even be on the cards?
Not having any idea what kind of shape Morales is in today (we do know he put on much weight in retirement) it’s tough to make a prediction for the March bout. It wouldn’t be overly surprising, however, if Alfaro were to win; maybe even by stoppage.