By Jhonny Gonzalez
WBO interim-bantamweight champion Eric Morel is not planning to stop his pursuit of WBC/WBO full champion Fernando Montiel. After two years of postponements and delays, the fight was set for July 17.
With only a few days to go, Morel pulled out with a leg injury but it was heavily rumored the Puerto Rican fighter was unhappy with the low amount of money he was set to receive from the split resulting from the purse bid. Rafael Concepcion took his place and was battered by Montiel in three rounds. Afterwards, Montiel made a surprise challenge to finish the long personal issue between him and Morel.
"This is not over. After that fight, Montiel repeated that he wanted to fight with us. Then we also want to fight him," said Cyril Morel, father and trainer of Eric Morel, to Primera Hora. "Hopefully we can make that fight soon, to prove once and for all who is the best."
"Montiel knows that if he wants to be considered the true champion at 118 pounds, has to contend with Morel. That's why we were mentioned. We've had conversations again, and we are willing to fight anywhere with him."
Morel plans to start training again on August 2. Meanwhile Top Rank has already announced their plan to make a fight between Montiel and Nonito Donaire in the month of November.
