There are conflicting reports floating all over the net and newspapers worldwide over who Erik Morales will face in November. Depending on who speak to and what camp you contact, the stories contradict eachother. The one thing we know so far is there is no confirmation of any signed contracts. The Morales camp said that they are ready to face Pacquiao on November 6 and Barrera on November 26th. Golden Boy claims a fight is agreed upon for Barrera-Morales 3, Pacquiao’s people say a fight is agreed upon with Morales. Top Rank says they are close to putting together Barrera-Morales 3 BUT, it could become Morales-Pacquiao at any moment if the financial terms are not accepted by Barrera.
Murad Muhammad, promoter of Manny Pacquiao stated to the press that he spoke with Bob Arum and an agreement was made to stage a bout between Pacquiao and Morales. Top Rank publicist Ricardo Jimenez indicated he had no knowledge of such an agreement between Arum and Muhammad and denied any conversations taking place between Muhammad and Arum.
Arum, in conversations with writer Dan Rafael, stated that he is indeed talking to both Muhammad and Golden Boy (promoter of Barrera) at the same time for potential bouts against Morales in November.
“I’ve been talking to Murad Muhammad about Morales and Pacquiao, and if I don’t get a Barrera fight done, that’s who we will fight,” Arum said. “The HBO guys feel Pacquiao is a bigger fight than Casamayor.”
Originally, the November 6th date was for Pacquiao and Barrera in a revenge bout. The fight fell apart for financial reasons. Barrera was unhappy with the cash figure he was given for the pay per view split.
Although there was talk of Barrera-Morales 3 bout on November 27th, Arum stated that Barrera was unhappy with the cash figures for that fight as well. Arum originally offered a 60-40 split in favor of Morales and had to come down to 57-43. Barrera was still unhappy.
“It’s up to Barrera. Richard (Schaefer of Golden Boy) and I have no argument. It’s Barrera. The real issue is does he want to fight Morales?” said Arum
The word coming out of several insiders within the involved camps is that if a deal with Barrera doesnt get done soon. Arum will go back to the November 6th date with Pacquiao.
The loser in all of this could be Manny Pacquiao, should Barrera-Morales come off, that would leave Manny without a big name opponent since Barrera, Morales and Marquez would all be contracted to other fights.
