Three-time world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales celebrated his 29th birthday today in Mexico City, doing what he loves to do: working in a gym full of fans watching him getting ready for a big fight.
“It was great. I had a real nice workout in front of a lot fans and media. It’s good to be here in Mexico City and seeing the big crowd,” said Morales, during a telephone conference call with the US and International media from the Pancho Rosales Gym.
Morales came down from the mountains to have his usual media day with the Mexican media, but as always his workouts are open to the public. The Mexican legend is getting ready to battle former USA Olympian Zahir Raheem on Saturday, September 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles in a bout to be telecast on HBO.
“I have been working hard, because I want to give everyone a good show. Raheem is a difficult boxer and I will have to be at my best to beat him. This fight will be my first fight at 135 pounds and I want to show people what I can do in this division,” said Morales, a WBC world champion at 122, 126 and 130 pounds.
In the semi-main event, Manny Pacquiao will take on Hector Velazquez and if both Morales and Pacquiao win on September 10 a rematch of their great fight of March 19 will take place later this year or early 2006.
“Some people feel that Pacquiao was not at his best when I beat him, but I think he was. But if there are some doubts about my victory last spring I will erase them in a second fight. I thought I won clearly the first time and will do so again,” said Morales.
Morales also said that he’s willing to go down to 130 pounds for a second fight against Pacquiao, but is looking forward to move up to135 and seek a fourth world title in four different weight classes, something that no Mexican boxer has ever done.
“I think the opportunity is there for me to win a fourth world title and I like to do it. Not many people get the chance to write history and I love to do it,” said Morales.
As for a fourth fight with archrival Marco Antonio Barrera, Morales said:
“I have my own path drawn out as far as my career goes and I don’t depend on anyone else. If our paths happen to cross and the public really wants to see a fourth fight between us (Barrera) I would be very happy to give it to them.”
