By Mark Vester

Some thought it would never be possible but last week career rivals Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera met face to face when they were honored with awards for their contributions to Mexican boxing. The two Mexican stars had a lot bad blood during their long careers and they took part in one of the best trilogies in the history of boxing.

When they met now last Friday, they were smiling side by side and the bad blood had been gone as they shook hands. Barrera called Morales "a friend" and Morales said Barrera was the "most difficult opponent of his entire career."

They were asked about a fourth meeting since Morales recently made his return to boxing and Barrera never actually announced his retirement. Both fighters said "anything can happen," but Barrera was said Morales' current division run at the high weight of 147-pounds would probably prevent a fourth fight from taking place. Barrera last fought as a lightweight.

Both fighters said the bad blood they shared is a thing of the past.

"Things happen but we are friends. Time heals all wounds," Morales said.

"All of the wounds have been healed. The truth is, everything has been forgotten. As with all young people there are certain things that happen, but now we are mature individuals. I respect Erik Morales and as I said earlier, he is my friend," Barrera said.

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