Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that a solid doubleheader will take place on January 28th in Houston when WBC Super Lightweight champion Erik Morales will take on undefeated upstart Danny Garcia while the co-feature will pit Jr. Middleweights James Kirkland and Carlos Molina.
“Everything has been agreed to. These are two excellent fights,” said Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions. “I think Morales-Garcia is definitely a crossroads fight. Erik is excited about going back to Texas. For Danny, it is an amazing opportunity to fight a legend like Erik Morales. He is thrilled beyond belief. He is going to want to make the best out of it.”
“I think it’s going to be a good fight because of the styles of these two guys,” Schaefer said. “It can only be an exciting fight, a toe-to-toe battle. You know the way Erik fights and the way Danny fights.
“Erik was ringside at Danny’s fight against Holt and Erik has never turned down anybody. He feels he’s going to teach the youngster a lesson. He feels that this is a very winnable fight for him otherwise he wouldn’t take it.”
“You saw the performance against Maidana. Erik made it clear that he is back,” Schaefer said. “Let’s see what he can do against a young, strong fighter like Danny Garcia. It’s a dangerous fight for Erik and for Danny. Erik is one of the most experienced fighters and has shown that the time he took off was good for him. He is back, his body is back and he feels good.
“Erik Morales fights everybody and he said he feels Danny Garcia is very mechanical and he will expose him. He said, ‘I have the style and skills and experience to beat the young, mechanical guy.’ Let’s see. Danny is one of the young guns.”
“I really couldn’t believe it, it’s a like a dream come true,” Garcia told ESPN.com. “I am happy for the opportunity. Erik Morales was a great fighter, but now it’s time for a new generation. It’s time for a new champion. We haven’t signed a contract yet, but the fight is verbally agreed to and I feel like this is the perfect time for me.
“I just fought one of the hardest punchers (Holt) in the division. I feel Erik Morales is a great fighter, but I feel like he had his day. He is the champion because of politics. I will be champion because I will take that belt off of him. I grew up watching Morales. Me and my friends were big fans. He is a great fighter, so to be in the ring with him will be a pleasure. I guess he’s looking at me like his last fight, fighting a young guy to use his experience against. But I am not the same fighter as the last kid. Why he took the fight with me I don’t know, but he is in for a tough fight.”
“We like the fight. Carlos is busy, he’s slick and he’s durable,” promoter Leon Margules said. “He is also a legitimate 12-round fighter. He has good stamina. We know Kirkland is a great puncher, but if he gets through the first couple of rounds when Kirkland is dangerous, then I think he can outwork him.”
Said Schaefer, “James Kirkland has clearly established himself again in the 154-pound weight class with his thrilling performance against Alfredo Angulo. He showed everything. James Kirkland is back. With Carlos Molina, you have a very skilled fighter who has come up with the biggest wins of his career recently and he feels this is a winnable fight. Both fights on this card are explosive. That’s the right word.”
Morales is 52-7 with thirty-six knockouts. Garcia is 22-0 with fourteen knockouts and ranked number seven by 15rounds.com
Kirkland 30-1 with twenty-seven knockouts is ranked number nine by 15rounds.com Molina is 19-4-2 with knockouts is ranked number seven by 15rounds.com
