By James Slater: It’s the battle between Mexican legends that failed to happen when it should have done, and, better late than never, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales are reportedly extremely close to squaring off in the spring of next year.
According to Fightnews.com, “sources” have indicated there is a “strong chance” the fight will go ahead on April 16th, at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Reportedly, Golden Boy look set to announce the fight as a go in the coming days.
The fight, for “Dinamita’s” world lightweight belts, will give “El Terrible” the chance to make boxing history. If the 34-year-old can upset his 37-year-old countryman, he will collect an unprecedented 4th world title; the first Mexican in all of boxing to have done so. Greats from Mexico such as the incomparable Julio Cesar Chavez tried and failed to win titles in four weight divisions, and if Morales can succeed in his quest his name will be treasured in his homeland and beyond for a long, long time. But can he do it?
The odds say no. Despite being successful in the three comeback bouts that began this year after a long layoff – with Morales gaining stoppage win over Willie Limond as well as points wins over Jose Alfaro and Francisco Lorenzo – and despite the fact that Erik is younger than Marquez, most fans also pick Marquez to win. The wars he’s had and the subsequent wear and tear has taken it’s toll on Morales, whereas Marquez, though he too has been in some tough battles, hasn’t been through the hell his upcoming challenger has. Then there’s the weight the fight will go ahead at. How strong will Morales be down at 135-pounds, a weight he has not made in quite some time?
The fight will not be dull, that much is certain. But will it be overly competitive? Can Morales match Marquez’ speed? How much punch resistance does Morales have today? Will Marquez outclass, even embarrass Morales?
It seems we will get our answers in April in Vegas!
It could be a big fight year for Las Vegas in 2011 in general. We have this fight to look ahead to, the Pacquiao-Mosley affair, Miguel Cotto-Ricardo Mayorga and maybe, if it takes place there, Wladimir Klitschko-David Haye. That’s some year for any fight town.