Fight Predictions: Marcos Rene Maidana vs. Erik Morales
Complied by Mike Plunkett
Boxing is so often an exercise in intrigue. It is replete with examples of aged former greats making hopeless and sometimes even hazardous ring returns much to the shock of those around them. Sometimes the comeback is fueled by financial strife, sometimes because the fighter still has that burning desire that needs to be satisfied (one way or another), and other times due to delusion. This weekend’s light welterweight clash between former three-division world champion Erik Morales, 51-6, 35 KO’s and former world title challenger Marcos Maidana, 29-2, 27 KO’s for the interim World WBA light welterweight title seems to be a case of one fighter still having the desire to compete and achieve long after the better part of his once formidable skill set has left him. That’s where the delusion aspect comes in. Against Marco Maidana, Morales has chosen perhaps the most precipitous of routes. RSR’s elite team of writers, interviewers and pugilistic prognosticators provide you with their expert opinions on the outcome.
Gina L. Caliboso
Who knows what to expect from Marcos Maidana? He’s a fighter that always presses and definitely works better in the later rounds. Maidana can definitely take a fight away from a fighter especially in the championship rounds. As for Erik Morales, I’m thinking he’s had his share of bouts and it’ll be experience, ring generalship, and thoughtful aggressive boxing that can lead Morales to a victory. I predict Morales by unanimous decision.
Geno McGahee
Marcos Maidana will prove too strong. I have a sneaking suspicion that this fight will go to the cards. I think that Erik Morales is crafty enough to survive but lose a wide decision.
Donald Stewart
As an Amir Khan fan I was bowled over by Marcos Maidana and hope that he is able to get the belt he deserves. I believe he will win by KO after the 6th round.
“Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Erik Morales was once great, but well past his prime now…. Morales’ corner throws in the towel after four rounds with him battered into retirement….
Damien Norman
Marcos Maidana points.
Mike Plunkett
It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago Erik Morales was accumulating major world titles and being lined-up for mega fight after mega fight with the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao, but time has a way of slipping past all of us and that passage is especially apparent where boxing is concerned. I quietly disagreed with Morales decision to return to the sport when it was first announced but understood and respected where he was coming from and that his desire to compete had yet to be satisfied. However, when this match-up was signed I winced. Marcos Marciano…errr…Maidana is a destroyer and looks to be a potential career wrecker. We have yet to see if anything was taken from Amir Khan and I know he took something from the youthful and highly dangerous Victor Ortiz. I expect Morales to do well early….at points….but to crumble after a sustained clubbing. Marco Maidana by 6th or 7th round KO.