There is probably no doubt that if Erik Morales loses to Manny Pacquiao on November 18, 2006, their so-called “rubber match”, he will hang up his gloves for good.

If he wins, however, what could be awaiting his future?  What about Pacquiao?  What if the pride of the Philippines is humbled by Morales?  Where will he go after a loss, just in case?

For sure, if Morales wins, he will move up to the top 10 pound-for-pound lists and seal once again his eminence in the world of boxing.  He will perhaps get a crack again at the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera and resurrect their epic battles in the past.  He can also try his mettle against fellow Mexican Israel Vasquez who holds the IBF superbantam title.

The possibilities are limitless for Morales should he hurdle his assignment with the power-punching Pacman.  Of course, if the reverse is what happens, possibilities for him are very limited.

On the other hand, a loss by the Pacman will surely be a big blow to his stardom although I feel that even with a loss, he still packs some respect and notoriety.

He still has unfinished business with Barrera and Marquez, two highly touted superfeatherweights who tasted his fury the last time he met each of them.  A loss with Morales will surely tarnish his record but it will not in any way obliterate the fact that he is still a very marketable personality in the sweet science.

In the final analysis, a win by Morales will spell good future for him, but if he loses, it may be the end for “El Terrible”.  On the other hand, either a win or a loss will not have a tremendous effect on Pacquiao’s stature.  He is still the exciting and relentless Pacman the boxing world knows.  If he wins it’s good; if he loses, it’s bad but it will not be so bad.