Pacquiao-Morales bout in higher division possible

Don’t close the book yet on the Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales rivalry.

Unless other things get in the way, there’s still a possibility that these two great warriors, in a year or two, may meet a fourth time – not in the super-featherweight division but in the lightweight class.

"Maybe it’s possible. Even the others might follow me at 135. But it won’t be good for them. I’m very comfortable at this weight. I’m already very tired at 130," said Morales the other day.

"I really like the weight. Everything is fine. I think I can stay long in this division," said the 30-year-old Morales, who’s in the country for a quick promotional tour for San Miguel Beer.

Morales, who has won the world titles in the 122-126, and 130-pound divisions, has moved up to the 135-pound division, and is trying to become the first Mexican to win titles in four different weight classes.

Pacquiao, who turned 28 last December, has also climbed the ladder over the years and, as he gets older, may grow bigger and feel the need to move on to the lightweight division.

And perhaps meet up with Morales.

Morales, who lost twice in Pacquiao in their classic trilogy that started in March of 2005, will climb the ring on June 16 against World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz.

It will be the first fight for Morales since he absorbed a punishing third-round knockout to Pacquiao in November last year. The future Hall-of-Famer from Tijuana also lost to the Filipino in January of 2006.

For Morales, it will be his second fight as a lightweight, losing his first, a non-title fight meant to keep him busy, to Olympian Zahir Raheem in September of 2005.

Pacquiao faces undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on April 14. This bout will line him up for a shot at the WBC 130-pound title now being held by Juan Manuel Marquez.