By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Undefeated Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales (14-0, 8 KO’s) is unfazed by the record and the reputation of WBO bantamweight champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (39—2-2, 29 KO’s) of Mexico whom he battles in a title fight on “Pinoy Power III/Latin Fury 13” at the Las Vegas Hilton on February 14, Manila Time.
The fight card featuring five Filipino boxers headlined by WBA super flyweight interim champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire vs tough Mexican slugger Gerson Guerrero will be telecast by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN on its pre-eminent Channel 2 at 10:30 a.m with replays on Studio 23 at 8:30 p.m. and Channel 2 at 11:15 p.m.
Boxing writer Emmanuel Rivera reported that Morales who arrived in Las Vegas from San Francisco where he trained at the sprawling Kennel Boxing Gym thanked his trainer Nonito Donaire Sr and conditioning coach Arvin Jugarap for their help and stressed he had no problems with his weight and strength and conditioning.
Morales told Rivera he felt stronger than when he trained in Ontario, Canada for his last fight on November 21 where he won a majority eight round decision over Miguel Angel Gonzalez.. .
Donaire Sr who expressed confidence about the chances when we spoke to him at the airpoet in Manila prior to their departure for the US said Morales “is strong and has ring savvy.”
The trainer said he is convinced that once Morales catches Montiel with his combinations the Mexican will be in trouble.
Rivera quoted condition coach Jugarap as saying that Morales digested the regimen they have been working on and it showed in his sparring. He added “now its time for us to show Montiel who’s the hungrier fighter .”
”Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (14-0-1, 12 KO’s) who has become firm friends with Morales since they have been training alongside each other said “we inspire each other.”
Sonsona who lost his WBO super flyweight title on the scales when he failed to make the weight has moved up to super bantam and will face undefeated Wilfredo Vazquez Jr (17-0-1, 14 KO’s) in a title fight in the Puerto Rican’s hometown on February 27.