Morales sets sights on another Pacquiao fight

PRESS RELEASE-HOBOKEN, N.J. (Mar. 17, 2010) – Three-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the last opponent to defeat Manny Pacquiao, returns from a 2 1/2-year layoff March 27 to headline “The Champion Returns” pay-per-view event, live from Monterrey, Mexico.

Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) may have his sights set on a fourth fight against Pacquaio in the not too distant future, but the iconic Mexican warrior must first get past former WBA lightweight champion and Nicaraguan KO specialist, Jose “Jicaras” Alfaro (23-5, 20 KOs), Mar. 27 in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC Intercontinental welterweight crown.

At a recent Televisa event honoring Mexico’s best athletes of the last decade, Morales expressed his desire to fight Pacquaio at 147 pounds, in addition to fulfilling his dream of becoming the first Mexican to capture world titles in four different weight classes.

“The two opponents who have defined my career are Junior Jones and Manny Pacquaio,” Morales said. “Defeating Jones (TKO4) was important to me because he had stopped something like 32 Mexicans in previous fights. Defeating Pacquaio (DEC12) is my greatest accomplishment in the ring. I remember seeing him cry after our fight. I would love another chance at Pacquaio and I also look forward to fighting Juan Manuel Marquez in the future. At 147, I’m faster than ever and freer with my body so I can get the most out of it. First, though, is my fight against Jose Alfaro on March 27th in Monterrey on pay per view. Alfaro is a great young fighter and a former world champion. A wicked puncher who will bring his best, he has a big heart into the ring, and always gives fans everything he has.”

In the 12-round co-feature, former 2-time WBA light heavyweight champion Hugo Hernan “Pigu” Garay (32-4, 17 KOs), rated No. 3 by the WBA, meets WBA No. 4 rated Chris “Hard Hittin’” Henry (24-2, 19 KOs) in the WBA Light Heavyweight Eliminator.

Top contender Denver Cuello (19-2-5, 10) squares off against No. 2 Juan “Churritos” Hernandez (15-1, 12 KOs) – continuing the ongoing Philippines-Mexican rivalry, respectively -- in the 12-round WBC Interim Strawweight title fight.

El Paso’s undefeated NABA title-holder David “Nino” Rodriguez (32-0, 30 KOs) takes on 1996 Brazilian Olympian Daniel Bispo (22-12, 16 KOs) in a 10-round Special Heavyweight Attraction.