The somewhat-anticipated Marcos Maidana-Erik Morales scrap is now just a month away and from the looks of things ‘Chino’ is already in great shape for their junior welterweight contest. Maidana and Morales meet on April 9th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada in a fight that has been criticized by many but will surely have its share of fireworks.
Our friend Gabriel Cordero has been on the scene with Maidana in Mexico City and noted that the Argentinean has been putting in some rigorous work at Daniel Garcia’s ‘Boxeo de Gala’ Gym under the tutelage of seasoned trainer Rudy Perez, known best for his time with Marco Antonio Barrera. Maidana looks fit and focused and has been putting in work against the likes of Johnatan Pena, Daniel Estrada, and Alejandro Barrera.
<--- Slideshow: Maidana ripped and focused in Mexico City
Maidana is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan last December, a fight in which he was knocked down from a body shot in the first round before storming back over the second half of the fight and eventually losing a close decision. Morales is riding a three-fight winning streak since returning from a two-year layoff following his August 2007 loss to Chicago’s David Diaz.
Maidana is a huge favorite to upend Morales and Perez is said to have a strategic game plan in place for their Tijuana foe.
?Up to now we?ve conducted everything in the proper pace of training,? said Perez. ?Maidana is working according to plan and in the coming weeks we?ll see the results when we arrive in top shape for this great fight. He?s a clever young. His talent, plus the Mexican boxing we?re teaching him will make a difference that night.?
We were with Maidana in camp last year as he prepared for the Khan contest under the watchful eye of Miguel Diaz. Although the two men have amicably went their separate ways, Maidana left a lot of impressions during his time in the gym. While maybe not the most skillful fighter in the world, Maidana has an abundance of power and heart and that is what will always make him dangerous.
Morales has carved out a hall of fame career, no question, but his best days were between 122 and 130 pounds. At 34 years old, fighting out of his natural weight class, and having suffered some brutal losses, Morales will be facing an uphill battle next month.
