By Mark Vester

For two years, Eric Morel has waited for a shot at the WBO bantamweight title that hangs around the waist of Fernando Montiel. On February 13 in Las Vegas, Morel faces Gerry Penalosa for the right to challenge Montiel, who faces Ciso Morales on the same card. If Montiel wins, he must face the Morel-Penalosa winner or face being stripped.

Morel is training hard in camp. He is already at 125-pounds, only a few away from the bantamweight limit of 118. He is sparring with two young left hand prospects who recently turned pro. He expects a very tough fight because the bout will be Penalosa's last chance at a world title.

"I know that he knows this is his last chance," Morel told El Nuevo Dia.

The wait is almost over for Morel. Because of his mandatory standing, he was afraid to take fights. He only fought once in 2009 after having five fights in 2008. He couldn't take a chance that an injury or a loss would knock him back in the rankings.

"In 2008 I put in the position of being at number one challenger and, pending Montiel, I could not take the risk of being active in other fights and losing. It was very frustrating to me. I knew my time would come," Morel said. "Now it is my time."

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