Mexican legend Erik “El Terrible” Morales is set for a grand return to the ring in July following his hard-earned unanimous decision win over Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Speaking to the Mexican press people, Morales indicated that his last fight against Pacquiao “was a very difficult fight,” although he also stressed that it left not much damage in him but that he would require two months’ rest before going back to the gym.
Morales’ indicated that HBO has already offered a July date for his next fight, although the cable giant has not yet made known his possible opponent. The Mexican warrior would welcome a rematch with Pacquiao, or a fourth encounter with compatriot Marco Antonio Barrera, depending on what fight would the fans ask from him.
A fourth encounter with arch-rival Barrera seems the more plausible proposition at this time, provided of course that Barrera defeats mandatory challenger Mzonke Fana on April 9 in El Paso, Texas.
Pacquiao, although in quite a good position for an immediate rematch with Morales, had earlier been advised by a plastic surgeon to rest for at least five months to allow the cut over his right eye to completely heal.
“I want to be the first Mexican boxer to conquer four world-wide titles in four different divisions,” Morales told the media yesterday after he made a $10,000 donation to the Red Cross in Tijuana, Mexico, represented by Mrs. Elbe Maria Amaya de Hank.
Earlier, Morales was honored in Tijuana by his compatriots by bestowing him the “Ciudadano Distinquido” (Distinguished Citizen) following his epic win over Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
Tijuana Mayor Jorge Hank handed the award to Morales in front of some two thousand screaming fans in front of the Tijuana City Hall.
“I feel so honored to get this very special award,” Morales said.
