Promoter Bob Arum describes Erik Morales as the “essence of what a fighter should be.”
Morales has proven throughout his career that he is ready, willing and able to take on all challengers.
Some fighters take easy tuneups as they await a big-money matchup.
Not Morales.
Morales has a highly anticipated rematch against Manny Pacquiao awaiting him in January, but Morales will stay busy by facing the dangerous Zahir Raheem on Saturday night at Staples Center (HBO, 6:45 p.m.).
Pacquiao faces a similar challenge when he takes on veteran tough guy Hector Velazquez in the co-featured bout.
“That’s why the people love him (Morales) and everyone wants to see his fights,” Arum said.
Raheem, a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic boxing team, is a slick boxer who uses his speed and movement to frustrate and outbox his opponents. Raheem’s only loss in 27 fights was a controversial decision to Rocky Juarez in Juarez’s hometown of Houston. Raheem has the style that has given Morales fits in the past.
“You know, he looks to be a very complicated guy,” Morales said. “He has a lot of different moves, a lot of movement and a lot of speed.”
If Morales overlooks Raheem or takes him lightly, he could be in serious trouble.
“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for my entire life,” Raheem said. “This is my chance.”
Morales, who won a close decision against Pacquiao in March in a Fight of the Year candidate, said his entire focus is on Raheem.
“I’m sure he’s very hungry,” Morales said. “I know he’s getting a big opportunity, and we have to be very aware of that.
“You know, all I’m thinking right now is Raheem. I think I want to give a real good showing Sept.10. I want to have the fans happy. Pacquiao is not on my mind right now.”
Morales has won world titles at 122, 126 and 130 pounds and his goal is to win a fourth world title at 135 pounds in the future. His fight against Raheem is for the vacant WBC International 135-pound title, which will be Morales’ first fight at 135 pounds.
“I think it’s important for me to find out how I feel at 135, you know, my movement, how fast I feel, how strong I feel at 135,” he said. “Because I do want to win a fourth world title, and I do want to be a lightweight champion.”
Morales’ willingness to move up to 135 pounds would open up the possibility of him facing the winner of the Oct.8 rematch between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo.
“I wouldn’t have any problem fighting the winner of that fight,” Morales said.
Morales has always had problems getting down to weight, which often has left him weakened and lacking energy. Morales said the only reason he would go back down to 130 pounds would be for the Pacquiao rematch.
“I do feel better overall (at 135 pounds),” Morales said. “I don’t have to worry about dieting. I mean, I’m eating properly. I feel stronger. I feel I can do a lot more.”
A fourth fight against Marco Antonio Barrera doesn’t appear to be on Morales’ radar.
“I’m following my own path,” Morales said. “I don’t depend on anybody else’s career or anybody else. I have my own plans. If our paths cross, they cross. If they don’t, they don’t.”
The Pacquiao rematch, a lightweight championship or a fourth fight against Barrera means nothing if Morales can’t get past Raheem. One thing is for sure, Morales, who celebrated his 29th birthday Sept.1, will give his loyal fans what they want.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve done already, but I think I can give more,” Morales said. “I think people expect more out of me. They expect bigger fights, more championships, do something great at 135 and I want to give them that. I want to give them as much as I can for as long as I can.”
