Erik “El Terrible” Morales, the first Mexican fighter to become a four division world champion and who is preparing for his rematch against Danny “Swift” Garcia taking place next Saturday, is closing his camp and is ready to travel to New York for the inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 20. Morales’ unified lightweight world championship title challenge against Garcia headlines a night of four world championship bouts that will be telecast live on SHOWTIME®.
Morales, one of the few Mexican fighters still maintaining his camp at the high altitude of the Centro Ceremonial Otomi located in Temoaya, Estado de Toluca, Mexico, has spent already 12 grueling weeks in the mountains under the guidance of his father/trainer Jose “Olivaritos” Morales.
“I had a very good training camp and I am ready,” said Morales. “All I have to say is that I am ready to put a great show next Saturday night.”
His training routine included running at 8:00 a.m., working out in the gym at 5:30 p.m. with four sparring partners including Rodrigo Juarez and Saul “Cobra” Carreon. Last Monday Morales impressed his team with his stamina and tenacity during an intense 12 round sparring session.
The rest of the team includes Tiburcio Garcia [assistant coach], Fernando Fernandez [mitts], Carlos Mera [publicist] and a cook, who prepares Morales’ meals, which consists of pasta, chicken, fish and meat on occasion.
“Training camp was excellent and I strongly believe I will have no problems making my mark on the division [140 pounds]. My body responded well to my training regimen and I feel that this time the outcome will be different. I want to be a world champion again.”
“I have to be honest and say that Erik [Morales] is very well motivated for his rematch against Danny Garcia,” said Jose Morales, father and trainer of Morales. “My son did a great job for almost 12 weeks to make sure that the result will be different. For this fight, he has had more time to plan everything and do different things.”
He added: “I know my son and I know he had problems due to the gallbladder surgery before the first fight. This time has to be different because there are no excuses or injuries.”
