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Former three-division champion Erik Morales (48-6, 34 KOs), who turns 32 on Sept. 1, says he's coming back to boxing despite losing four fights in a row and five of his last six, including two by knockout.
The Mexican great hasn't fought since losing a close decision to David Diaz for a lightweight belt last August, but told Mexican wire service Notimex that he plans to return next summer. Morales said his plan was for a couple of smaller fights followed by a title bout. .
"With the support of [WBC president] Jose Sulaiman, I'd have the opportunity to fight directly for the WBC lightweight championship, but my credibility is first, so I decided to have a few fights to prepare and get in shape," Morales said. "My objective is to win a fourth world championship in a different division. Against Diaz, I deserved better luck, but I think I'm better than some of the current boxers, like Joel Casamayor or Juan Manuel Marquez."
Morales' return, however, will come without the backing of longtime promoter Top Rank, which encouraged his retirement following the Diaz fight and refuses to be involved in any of his future bouts.
With Morales and bitter rival Marco Antonio Barrera, who recently ended his association with Golden Boy, both eyeing comebacks, a fourth fight has been suggested by some. If it did happen, however, Top Rank said it wouldn't be involved. Barrera leads the epic series 2-1.
The Mexican great hasn't fought since losing a close decision to David Diaz for a lightweight belt last August, but told Mexican wire service Notimex that he plans to return next summer. Morales said his plan was for a couple of smaller fights followed by a title bout. .
"With the support of [WBC president] Jose Sulaiman, I'd have the opportunity to fight directly for the WBC lightweight championship, but my credibility is first, so I decided to have a few fights to prepare and get in shape," Morales said. "My objective is to win a fourth world championship in a different division. Against Diaz, I deserved better luck, but I think I'm better than some of the current boxers, like Joel Casamayor or Juan Manuel Marquez."
Morales' return, however, will come without the backing of longtime promoter Top Rank, which encouraged his retirement following the Diaz fight and refuses to be involved in any of his future bouts.
With Morales and bitter rival Marco Antonio Barrera, who recently ended his association with Golden Boy, both eyeing comebacks, a fourth fight has been suggested by some. If it did happen, however, Top Rank said it wouldn't be involved. Barrera leads the epic series 2-1.
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