MANILA, Philippines - Sa kanilang ‘trilogy’ ni Manny Pacquiao, dalawang beses na natalo si Mexican Erik Morales.
Matapos ang apat na taon, muling nagparamdam ang 34-anyos na si Morales na labanan ang 31-anyos na si Pacquiao.
“Defeating Pacquiao is my greatest accomplishment in the ring. I remember seeing him cry after our fight,” ani Morales sa kanyang unanimous decision win kay Pacquiao sa kanilang unang paghaharap noong Marso 19, 2005 sa MGM Grand sa Las Vegas, Nevada. “I would love another chance at Pacquiao and I also look forward to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez in the future.”
Makaraan ang naturang kabiguan kay Morales para sa mga bakanteng World Boxing Council (WBC) International at International Boxing Association (IBA) super featherweight titles, rumesbak si Pacquiao para ipanalo ang kanilang sumunod na dalawang laban.
Umiskor si Pacquiao ng isang tenth-round TKO kay Morales sa kanilang rematch noong Enero 21, 2006 at third-round KO sa kanilang ikatlong pagtatagpo noong Nobyembre 18, 2006.
Si Pacquiao ang tanging Asian fighter na nagkampeon sa pitong magkakaibang weight division, habang hangad pa rin ni Morales na maging kauna-unahang Mexican boxer na naghari sa apat na weight classes.
Nakatakdang labanan ni Morales, may 48-6-0 win-loss-draw ring record kasama ang 34 KOs, si Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs) sa Marso 27 para sa bakanteng WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown sa Monterrey, Mexico.
“At 147, I’m faster than ever and freer with my body so I can get the most out of it,” ani Morales. “First, though, is my fight against Jose Alfaro on March 27th in Monterrey on pay per view. Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best, he has a big heart into the ring, and always gives fans everything he has.”
Huling lumaban si “El Terrible” noong Agosto 4, 2007 kung saan siya natalo kay David Diaz via unanimous decision.
Nasa undercard naman ng Morales-Alfaro ang laban ni Filipino Denver Cuello (19-2-5, 10 KOs) kay No. 2 Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1-0, 12 KOs) para sa WBC Interim strawweight title.