Erik Morales vs. Marcos Maidana: Mind over Matter

Erik Morales had never worked this hard before on training. His tired legs and his battle-scarred body seem weary with each extended minutes in the gym or in the road. But with mind over matter, Erik always finds a way to make it through the day.

He doesn’t want to know how many discarded him as a serious contender or a fighter that is way past his prime. He still believes that he can win and in April 9, he thinks he will shock the world with a win against the dangerous Marcos Maidana. Mind over matter as Erik repeatedly put on his head…reciting that mantra with each hurdle and each pain, he goes through training.

Losing four out of his last seven fights is not so encouraging. However, Erik did the unthinkable by choosing to fight the toughest in the 140-lb division. Marcos Maidana was known for fighting Amir Khan for 12 full rounds giving Khan problems in the later rounds before losing to a unanimous decision.

He also fought Victor Ortiz wherein he was knocked down thrice before knocking Ortiz out in the sixth round. You may have to wonder why he chose the dangerous path when he is already nearing the finish line. He may have seen something in Maidana that made him excited to fight him.

The pressure style of Maidana is a tailor-made fight for Morales. Maidana is susceptible to Morales’ counterpunches while pressing forward. However, he is now only a shade of the fighter he once was. Those reflexes have slowly betrayed him, losing a step each fight and each year as he prolongs his career.  Thirty-four years old may not be that old but with all the battles from amateur to 57 professional fights, with his all-out style, fights have slowly taken its toll on Morales.

But he would never be deterred. He thinks he can win against Maidana…mind over matter.

He wanted everyone to know that he still has it. Just like a “Rocky” movie going for one last time, one last chance of becoming a champion. The critics can say what they want to say. He knows he will win and at the end of the fight. He will be the only Mexican fighter who wins an unprecedented fourth division title. Mind over matter… 

Morales always finds a way, but I doubt if he ever makes it through this Saturday.