"NOTHING LIKE OLD FACES"
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON

(IB-February 1, 2010) The collapse of the Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. bout that was scheduled to take place on March 13, 2010 was deemed by some to be a "nail in the coffin" of boxing.

There has been a new life line thrown to the sport by many scheduled bouts that, before the collapse of the Pacquiao vs Mayweather bout, probably would have never developed. We, the boxing public, don't really care for all the finger pointing and name calling that prevents top fighters from battling one another. We just want them to get in the ring and get after it.

The resurgence of boxers Jorge Arce and recently out of retirement Erik Morales, is a testament to fighters who know that the sport is suffering from a lack of fighters who are willing to put their records on the line and just get in the ring. Erik Morales is probably the one current fighter that has NEVER been afraid to get in the ring with ANYBODY and prove who is "the better man".

I have long ago established my position that being a World Champion means nothing unless the man takes on all comers. There is no place for a fighter to claim the title "CHAMP" when politics, egos or promoters are allowed to disrupt what has been for ages decided in the ring especially considering that most fights now are not for any relative title. 

Erik Morales returning to the ring in the welterweight division means several things none of which, according to him, is for the money.

First, there will be no Golden Boy Productions influence surrounding this Mexican fighter. Morales will be promoted by longtime partner Box Latino. This was news in itself, being that Oscar de la hoya and Golden Boy Productions has made an effort to control most boxing legends whether either active or retired. 

Second, there remain several viable opponents for Morales to take on that should be very cautious in signing to fight him. Andre Berto and Paulie Malignaggi seem to be the most interesting names that would attract a large following for that outcome. The names of either Tim Bradley, Juan Urango or Amir Khan signing to fight the former World Champion mexican superstar could really shake up things in the welterweight division. 

Although both Bradley and Urango currently fight at 140 lbs., neither could afford to pass up the challenge, if offered from Erik Morales. The term "catch weight" applies to all future boxing matches in my own, now clouded mind. Money seems to be the driving force behind the fight game, so let's enjoy the ride.

Amir Khan has supposedly "come to America to fight the best fighters out there". Could we possibly see a Khan vs Morales fight in the near future? Would Oscar de la hoya risk the young and confident Khan going in with the crafty and tough Morales so soon?

Khan and de la hoya both have a 3 fight promotional contract that will establish whether Golden Boy Productions can live up to their promise of superstar status. With just 3 chances to make good, Golden Boy Productions cannot afford for there to be an appearance that Amir Khan is ducking ANYBODY. 

Do not be surprised to hear the camp of Erik Morales come looking for Amir Khan and Golden Boy Productions very soon. There will have to be an agreement on a "catch weight" of somewhere around 144 lbs. This weight should not make too tough a demand on either fighter.

THIS is the type of fight that is not impossible for us boxing fans to anticipate in 2010 unless...there should be some reluctance on the part of either Golden Boy Productions, Amir Khan or both to take on the fresh out of retirement Morales.

The build up for this fight would center on another Muslim fighter from the United Kingdom taking on a Mexican star as we all remember when "Prince" Naseem Hamed was primed to become the next boxing star of the ages...and was then totally demolished by Marco Antonio Barrera.

This is a fight that would not only be highly anticipated, but would be a relatively easy piece of promotional work for de la hoya and Golden Boy Productions. The fight would obviously be held in Las Vegas and the Mexicans would provide more then enough of a "home field advantage" for Morales than would any number of Khan supporters willing to make the trip to the United States.

The allegiance of supporters (around the world) for Amir Khan will be tested over the next 3 fights.

Since his defection from long time promoter and supporter Frank Warren, there has been a noticeable rift amongst Khan supporters. Labeled "Ungrateful and arrogant" by some who felt he betrayed the loyalty shown by both Warren and his countrymen, Amir Khan may have to feel like the Lone Ranger when fighting the ever dangerous TBA on the May 1, 2010 undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs Roy Jones, Jr. bout. 

The Amir Khan path to glory was well defined by Warren and seemed to be on track for what had hoped would be a long reign as a World Champion. The Khan defection was viewed by most as a slap in the face of Frank Warren, who remains a true gentleman in his disappointment of losing Khan. Warren says only that he kept Khan's father advised of all negotiations. The miscommunication was what Frank Warren feels allowed Golden Boy Productions to attract Khan's attention.

Frank Warren also says he has not personally received correspondence from anyone in the Khan family since his signing with GBP. This does not prevent Warren from "wishing Amir Khan the very best".

The Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight cancellation has done something for boxing none of us really anticipated. It has virtually forced some boxers who had gotten very comfortable, and inactive, in thinking that having 0 or 1 loss on your record makes you the most attractive opponent.

Even though most of us recognize that Roy Jones, Jr. and Bernard Hopkins have seen their better days, they are still willing to FIGHT. The probability of Erik Morales Shane Mosley and Jorge Arce maintaining their boxing enthusiasm much longer is remote but their passion for the sport is what drives them. 

In the end, we will probably look back at these boxers as the force that jump started boxing. Contrary to what we have been led to believe, FIGHTERS that FIGHT is what is bringing the popularity of the sport back to life and whether they believe it or not,  the rest had better get on board.

The patience of the boxing public has been tested and survived all that has been thrown at them.

Seeing some of the old faces, and their sense of rejuvenation, may be totally responsible. 

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Tim Bradley would probably be easy pickings for Morales especially since Bradley has been so inactive.