By James Slater – The latest comeback of Mexican legend Erik Morales keeps going. Last night in his home country, the 34-year-old known as “El Terrible” won a reasonably wide 12-round unanimous decision over 39-year-old Francisco Lorenzo of The Dominican Republic.
Winning by scores of 116-111, 115-112 and 114-113, Morales improved to 51-6(45). Lorenzo, who fought well last night, is now 35-9-4(16)..
Morales, as always an aggressive warrior, started off slowly (as is another trademark of his), but he scored a knockdown in the 5th, when a right hand to the head decked Lorenzo. Unhurt, Lorenzo bounced back up and a surprisingly good fight rumbled on for all 12-rounds. Fighting at a trim-looking 139-pounds, Morales retained his WBC silver title at 140.
As fans know, Morales is still fighting because he wants to make history by becoming the first Mexican fighter to capture world titles in four different weight classes. It’s no secret that “El Terrible” wants most of all an all-Mexican showdown with world lightweight king Juan Manuel Marquez.
Morales remained on track for that fight with last night’s victory, and if “Dinamita” is not chosen as Manny Pacquiao’s May 7th opponent (and most people seem to think that date will instead be given to “Sugar” Shane Mosley) Morales might get the fight he wants in 2011.
A Marquez-Morales clash would no doubt do great business in either Mexico or the U.S, and looking at him yesterday, Morales can make 135-pounds okay. Now 3-0(1) since returning to the ring in March of this year (after a an absence of almost three years), the fan-favourite has worked his way into good if not great condition. Still possessing the heart of a lion, as he showed in spots last night, Morales is by no means as faded as many people perhaps thought he was.
Marquez, though older at age 37, will be made a considerable favourite to beat his countryman if they fight, but maybe Morales can turn the clock back for one last great effort. If it does happen, Marquez Vs. Morales, a fight that could be dubbed “Better Late That Never” will not be dull, that’s for sure.
As for the beaten Lorenzo; he predicted he would KO Morales last night, and even though he didn’t do so, he fought his best fight in quite some time. Not as negative or as keen to spoil as he has been in some of his fights, “El Ahogado” played his part in a good action fight. Maybe the old warrior (who has still never been halted as a pro) will get one more decent payday before he’s through.