Erik Morales Talks Retirement, Passing The Torch, More

By Miguel Rivera

Erik Morales (52-8, 36KOs) won four titles in four divisions in his long career. The 35-year-old boxer returned to Mexico with his head held high, discussed his future and the next generation of Mexican fighters.

Last Saturday Morales was beaten by Danny Garcia (23-0, 14KOs) over twelve rounds of action in Houston, Texas. Morales failed to make weight for the fight, coming in two pounds over the limit and he looked out of shape.

Morales wants to have a farewell fight in Mexico and then retire from the sport.

"I had problems making the junior welterweight limit at Friday's weigh-in. I was two pounds overweight and I lost my belt, but that's an indication of [the state of] my body. During the fight with Danny, I couldn't fight my fight, my body did not respond and I have to [leave boxing]," Morales said.

"I will fight [once more] in Mexico, my farewell will be in Tijuana [later] this year. For now I will take vacation with my family and discuss my future, but it is a fact that I will not return for any more fights in the United States."

Once Morales retires at the end of the year, he believes his 20-year-old brother, bantamweight prospect Ivan Morales (16-0, 11KOs), could be the next Mexican superstar.

"This my second time where I've been asked - 'well, on the day that you leave boxing, who will you pass the flag to?' I've watched my brother Ivan Morales fight, and he is very good and if he tries he can be my successor. He will become the next great fighter Mexican," Morales said.