By Jake Donovan - Everything about Erik Morales’ last ring appearance flashed the signs of a once-brilliant career that was clearly on borrowed time. The four-division titlist missed weight, was out of shape and offered a lethargic effort for twelve rounds in conceding to his younger foe.
Like any proud warrior, Morales wasn’t quite ready to go out on such a low note. So came the decision to exercise a rematch clause that leads to this weekend’s return go with Danny Garcia.
The bout takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It’s the first event for the brand new arena, but perhaps the last call for the proud Mexican warrior who seeks to regain his title in the headlining act of a Showtime-televised training camp.
"I had a very good training camp and I am ready," said Morales, insisting that weight will not be an issue this time around. "All I have to say is that I am ready to put a great show next Saturday night."
There was a time when Morales (52-8, 36KO) put on a great show every time he stepped into the ring. Two of his three fights with longtime rival Marco Antonio Barrera landed as Fight of the Year (2000 and 2004), nor was there any shortage of entertainment in three fights with Manny Pacquiao and back-in-the day wars with a host of others.
