Erik Morales has deflected criticism from his dad ahead of his big rematch with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Morales replaced his father as trainer with Jose Luis Lopez Sr. after his last outing, a shock defeat by Zahir Raheem last September.
Jose Morales, who is battling diabetes, told his son he had no problem with the decision but since has been critical of his son’s fight preparations.
“It’s okay,” Erik told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
“He can say what he wants. I have no problems with him.”
But Morales’ lack of serious preparation was largely responsible for his loss to Raheem.
Miguel Diaz, who has worked more than 40 fights as his cutman, said it was the first time he ever felt Morales might be stopped.
Morales has one of the sturdiest chins in boxing, and Diaz said it was all that stood between Raheem and a knockout win.
Morales, 48-3 with 34 knockouts, has fought many of the era’s best and has never been knocked down – as a pro or an amateur.
“You just try not to get hit flush,” Morales said. “That’s all.”
