HALL-Of-Fame American trainer Freddie Roach is not excited about the plan of Erik Morales to get a rematch with his latest tormentor.
In an interview with BusinessMirror, Roach disclosed his earnest concern over the health of Morales should the Mexican icon decide to continue fighting.
“He’s a nice guy and is a good friend of Manny [Pacquiao]. I’d like to see him retired,” said Roach.
Last week, reports came out of several Mexican papers that Morales is discussing with World Boxing Council (WBC) president Jose Sulaiman about a possible rematch with lightweight champion David Diaz.
Chances are the Morales-Diaz return clash might push through as Sulaiman was quoted as saying that both Diaz and mandatory challenger Joel Casamayor are reportedly asking the WBC to allow them to get one tune-up bout before engaging in a mandatory title bout.
“Erik is still an attractive fighter and he can still command big money fights. Probably that’s the reason why they will allow that fight to happen,” said Roach.
Morales celebrated his 31st birthday last weekend in his hometown in Tijuana, Mexico, in a fiesta-like event highlighted by a boxing card.
In talking with Sulaiman, Morales said he felt he got robbed of a victory against Diaz. The loss also denied Morales of an infinite place in the proud Mexican boxing history of being the first Mexican fighter to win four world crowns in as many divisions.
Morales won belts in the super-bantamweight, featherweight and super-featherweight divisions.
In his latest fight, Morales did well in the first half of his bout against Diaz. Needing only few more rounds to win the bout, Morales never backed off as he decided to go toe-to-toe up to the last round that gave Diaz a chance to chip away at the Mexican’s lead.
Diaz eventually won via unanimous—but close—decision to keep his title.
During the postfight television interview, Morales was asked about the way the judges scored the bout but instead of criticizing the scoring, the Mexican legend announced his retirement.
Morales’s last fight was shown live on Philippine cinemas and was enthusiastically cheered on by most of those who came to watch.
Morales earned the respect and admiration of Filipino boxing fans after he became friends with Pacquiao.
The Mexican warrior even visited the Philippines twice to have a vacation with his wife at an exclusive resort and to do a San Miguel Beer commercial with Pacquiao.
