The Champion, Erik Morales, Returns March 27

The Champion, Erik Morales, Returns March 27

By Brian O. Blake, Doghouse Boxing (March 3, 2010)

At the age of 33, with over two years of inactivity, many will wonder why Erik "El Terrible" Morales has chosen to return to the violent sport that made him a living legend. Some will speculate that it's money.

He insists that it is to make history.

Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) hopes to become the first Mexican boxer to earn four world championships in four different weight classes. His quest begins on March 27 when he takes on former WBA lightweight king Jose Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs) in Monterrey, Mexico.

“I return with desire to succeed,” Morales said. “My plan is to win my fourth world title. We chose Alfaro as my opponent because he is so respected. It’s true, I had some personal problems, received bad advice and had many temptations. I worked hard on it and now I’m better than before. I feel much better, so we took a risk fighting [a fighter] of Alfaro’s quality.”

The clash between Morales and Alfaro will headline the event billed as "The Champion Returns"; it will be a 12 round contest for the WBC Intercontinental welterweight belt.

Yes, I said welterweight.

When Morales walked away from the sport back in 2007, he had suffered four consecutive losses in the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions. Now, he has opted to skip the 140 pound division and return, at least for this fight, as a welterweight.

Morales, a seven time champion, is a lock as far as making the Hall of Fame, and his resume speaks for itself. However, it's tough to imagine him making a solid run toward capturing a title.

Alfaro, who has defeated world champions Prawet Singwancha and DeMarcus Corley, would agree.

“Morales is finished,” he claimed. “His past was great but not now. I’m younger, stronger and faster that him and I will demonstrate that March 27 in Monterrey. Morales is definitely wrong to continue boxing. This is a business and something that gives me a better life. I will come to beat him and will win.”

Also on the card will be a WBA light heavyweight eliminator between former champion Hugo Garay and fourth-ranked fighter Chris "Hard Hittin" Henry. WBA strawweight king Roman Gonzalez will also make an appearance, as he puts his title on the line to take on Mexican contender Juan Hernandez.

“The Champion Returns”, presented by KO Entertainment, is being distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media on pay-per-view.

Random Ring Chatter

Andre Berto and Carlos Quintana will officially announce their April 10 showdown on Wednesday...The Arthur Abraham vs. Andre Dirrell bout that was rescheduled for March 27 will now take place at the Joe Louis Arena in Dirrell's native Michigan...Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik held an open workout today in preparation for his upcoming title defense against Sergio Martinez...WBC 140 pound king Devon Alexander arrived at the Mohegan Sun today for his title unification bout with IBF champ Juan Urango...Goossen Tutor Promotions announced today that they have signed Ukrainian heavyweight Sergey Karpenko...Vitctor Ortiz' proposed May bout with Nate Campbell may be pushed back due to a hand injury suffered by Ortiz in his recent TKO win over Hector Alatorre...Top Rank is in talks with Winky Wright to have his next bout take place on the undercard of the Yuri Foreman vs. Miguel Cotto title fight at Yankee Stadium...With former champion Robert Guerrero unable to compete due to personal reasons, a bout between Michael Katsidis and Kevin Mitchell will go to a purse bid tomorrow.

Questions and comments can be sent to: BrianOBlake@yahoo.com

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