Erik Morales understands why Manny Pacquiao is returning to boxing

Erik Morales understands why former boxing rival Manny Pacquiao is returning to the ring aged 46.

Erik Morales’ and Manny Pacquiao’s trilogy saw the Filipino come out on top, despite suffering a defeat via unanimous decision the first time round in March 2005.

Pacquiao avenged his loss less than a year later in January 2006, recording a 10th round TKO victory, further asserting his dominance over Morales with a second victory over the Mexican just 10 months later.

Following back-to-back losses against Pacquiao, Morales suffered a fourth consecutive loss to David Diaz, pushing the Mexican to retirement in 2007.

His 2½ year-retirement did however come to an end when making a return to the ring to fight Jose Alfaro in March 2010. He went on to fight six more times after defeating Alfaro, posing a 3-3 record.

When speaking to The Ring, Morales expressed his understanding for Pacquiao’s decision to return to professional boxing.

He said: “Us fighters, most of the time, are crazy.

“Sometimes the people don’t understand that and we boxers see something that the people don’t see, but I understand as well that the people see something we don’t see.

I think more or less it’s him wanting to be there to win again.

- Erik Morales, The Ring

"I’ve had the feeling, so I know what he’s going through right now and I know it’s his feeling to be a champion again."

Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios on his return to the ring on 20th July, 2025, a 30 year old Mexican-American boxer with a 29-2-1 record.

Morales offered his viewpoint on the upcoming fight.

“I think he has a lot of potential to do as much as he can but I think Barrios and his youth is what’s going to help him a lot.”

“The great champions have all the will,” Morales added. “They can do what they want. It doesn’t matter. It’s ok.”

Ellis Statham

• Mario Barrios v Manny Pacquaio
• Manny Pacquaio
• • 
  •