Erik Morales vs. Marcos Maidana Set for April 9
After a two and a half year retirement, former three-division champion Erik Morales will continue his comeback in a bout against junior welterweight Marcos Maidana on April 9, Golden Boy promoter Richard Schaefer said.
Following weeks of failed negotiations with other opponents, Morales (51-6, 35 KOs), whose won three fights in a row since ending his retirement, will now battle Argentinean native Maidana (29-2, 27 KOs).
“I can tell you what Erik Morales said to me, that he feels like this is an early Christmas present,” Schaefer said to ESPN. “It’s really the fight he wants.”
Although Morales appears to be making a giant step up in light welterweight competition, Schaefer assured he will be ready.
“He and his father were begging us for this fight,” Schaefer said. “He did take some time off and there is a history of fighters who took time off and came back and did write another chapter in the career, and not only pick up where they left off but go to bigger heights.”
Maidana, who exploded onto the boxing scene earning 25 knockouts, is now considered one of the top light welterweights in the world.
“Maidana is one of the most credible 140-pounders and an exciting fighter,” Schaefer said. “Most people rank him third in the division [behind Timothy Bradley Jr. and Amir Khan].”
After losing a split decision to Andriy Kotelnik (31-4, 13 KOs) on Feb. 2, Maidana went on a four fight win streak, defeating Victor Ortiz, William Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Cayo and DeMarcus Corley. Most recently, Maidana fell short losing a unanimous decision to Khan, in a dramatic slugfest which earned 2010 “Fight of the Year” by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
The Morales-Maidana bout, which will air live on HBO PPV at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, is one of four bouts Schaefer said is finalized.
“I got the ‘Fight Freak’ card done,” Schaefer said in reference to the cards appeal towards hardcore boxing fans. “Everything is locked in.”
Featured in the co-main event, former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Robert Guerrero will meet Australian action star Michael Katisidis.
“It’s one of the most exciting fights one can make in boxing and I’m really looking forward to it,” Schaefer said. “Helluva fight. The winner will come out as a major guy.”
In addition, former WBC and WBA super welterweight champion Winky Wright will return from a two-year hiatus to face Britain’s own Matthew Macklin; while junior middleweight prospect James Kirkland (barring a win in his March 5 bout) will open the pay per view portion against an unnamed opponent.
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