By James Slater – A number of fans shuddered when theyd hear how a showdown between lethal puncher Marcos Maidana and ageing former three-weight champ Erik Morales was being discussed. ‘It won’t happen,’ some of these fans insisted, claiming “El Chino” would likely fight Devon Alexander next, as per HBO’s plan. But all speculation has now ended: as the fight, for the “regular” WBA 140-pound title, is a go for The MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 9th. This fight may well be viewed by nervous fans who sit very much on the edge of their seats! But will the adrenalin be flowing for the right reasons?
It’s great being excited both before as well as during a fight if the action is competitive, but this fight may well have fans feeling uncomfortable due to them fearing for the safety and wellbeing of “El Terrible.” Is this fight – this fight against the single hardest-hitting light-welterweight in the sport – one risk too many on the part of the 34-year-old Mexican legend?
Now 3-0 in the comeback that followed the two-and-a-half year inactive period that followed his losing fight to lightweight titlist David Diaz (after this fight, in August of 2007, Morales reportedly complained of headaches), the former champ hasn’t looked all that impressive against Jose Alfaro, Willie Limond and Francisco Lorenzo. In fact, Morales, who has done well to get his body at least looking in good shape, has appeared somewhat sluggish. If he cannot find the speed needed to be able to get out of the way of Maidana’s lethal punches, he will be in big trouble in April.
However, Maidana, coming off that losing thriller with Amir Khan, says he is giving Morales full respect, that he will in no way be underestimating him.
“I’m excited to face a warrior like Erik Morales,” Maidana said to Fightnews.com. “No matter what some people say about him not fighting much lately, he’s a legend and you have to respect a legend. Especially if he’s Mexican.
“Erik likes going to war. I like going to war. So guess what? We have a war here.”
Morales, at any time pre-2006, was capable of going to war with anyone. But now, after being brutally hammered to defeat inside the distance by Manny Pacquiao? I think the best we can hope for on April 9th is Morales rumbling with Maidana for a few rounds, before being overwhelmed by his younger rival’s sheer youth, power and relentlessness. It goes without saying we all hope Morales also goes home having suffered no serious injury.
“El Terrible” reportedly “begged” Golden Boy for this fight, so convinced is he he has the beating of Maidana. But what’s that old adage about being careful about what you wish for?
Morales looks to have bitten off way more than he can chew with this fight.