Erik Morales withdraws from Garcia fight due to surgery

By: G. Punn

Erik Morales, WBC junior welterweight 52-7 (36 KOs), has withdrawn from his title defense against Danny Garcia.  Morales’ recent gall bladder surgery led to the decision, and he formally withdrew from the fight on Dec.26

The clash between Morales and Garcia was set to take place in Houston, TX, at the Reliant Arena on Jan. 28, in HBO’s first card of 2012.

“Post his surgery, Erik maintained his hope to begin with the training sessions of the game in time to get prepared for the upcoming fight. But his doctors on Monday advised him not to go for the fight”, Eric Gomez, the matchmaker of Golden Boy Promotions told to the media.

Gomez, who was holding a press conference, told reporters that Erik Morales was no longer going to fight Gomez, after doctors advised otherwise. Gomez revealed that the doctors found everything okay apparently but they wanted Morales to get healed internally prior to any fights.

Morales is fit to fight, but he wants to go with the advice of the doctors, Gomez said.

“Morales gave us the confidence that if need be, he may go against the recommendations of the doctors to land at the ring for a fight, but we definitely do not want him to go against the surgeons’ advice”, Eric Gomez revealed.

HBO’ card status is still as it is. Richard Schaefer, the Golden Boy CEO, is in talks with HBO authorities to zero in the options – new challenger for Danny Garcia, a replacement match, fight deferment or a straight cancelation of the match. 

Since doctors have recommended Erik to take a minimum rest of one month, Morales just want the fight to get postponed for this short period. But it all depends on HBO’s schedule. The broadcasting station is yet to make a decision.