LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 08: Marcos Maidana of Argentina during...

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 08: Marcos Maidana of Argentina during his open workout at IBA gym on December 8, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images) Credit: Getty/Scott Heavey

It’s been a rough few years for the last man to beat Manny Pacquiao.

Former featherweight, super bantamweight world champion Erik Morales (51-6, 35 KOs) will make his latest attempt at a return to the limelight in a 12-round matchup with hard-hitting Marcos Maidana (29-7, 27 KOs) on April 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Although Morales has won is last three bouts, including a unanimous-decision victory against Francisco Lorenzo last December, he hasn’t beaten a quality opponent since his win over Pacquiao in 2005.

"Why shouldn't I come back? I didn't deserve to go out like I did,” said Morales, 34. “I have goals to reach. With hard work and dedication, I know I will reach them.”

As for Maidana, who suffered a unanimous-decision loss to WBA 140-pound champion Amir Khan, he’s hoping to find some redemption, too.

"I'm proud to be here facing Erik Morales,” Maidana said. “Beating a legend like him would help me build myself up to where I want to be.”

The HBO pay-per-view bout will begin at 9 p.m.

Winky Wright will take on Matthew Macklin in the first televised match.
 

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