Morales has wrapped up an eight-week conditioning program in Los Angeles and is now all set to head back to Tijuana to begin the final phase of his preparation for the Nov. 18 showdown with Manny Pacquiao.
Morales also had some problems with his shoulder and right leg checked while he was in LA. A Mexican newspaper quoted Morales the other day as saying that "in little time they (doctors) left me like new."
Seven scientific experts from South Africa, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden and the US took care of the 30-year-old, three-time world champion at the state-of-the-art Velocity Training Center in LA.
In his first six weeks, Morales reportedly shed off seven kilos of excess baggage, and, from around 150 lbs., is now believed to be in better shape two months before the Nov. 18 match in Las Vegas.
But before he leaves LA on his private jet, the crafty, good-looking boxer will first have to attend a press conference at the glittery Beverly Hills Hotel. Pacquiao will be there, too.
It will be the second meeting in a month between the two boxers who attended a similar press conference in Las Vegas recently.
The next time they’ll meet will probably be during the final press conference at Wynn Las Vegas, the official hotel of the third fight, a few days before they climb the ring.
"We want Bobby to start training with Manny so he’ll be ready for whatever is the best option for him," said Salud. "There is a proposal for Bobby to fight Robbie Peden in Australia in an IBF (International Boxing Federation) superfeatherweight title eliminator before the year ends but that will go to a purse bid. Maybe, Bobby can fight in Las Vegas first then sign to face Peden."
Salud said other Filipinos being lined up for the Orleans card are Gerry Penalosa and rising bantamweight prospect Ernel Fontanilla.
As for Pacquiao’s preparation for Morales, Salud said it will start in earnest when he reports for work at the Wild Card Gym.
"Manny has been jogging in the morning and reporting for workouts in Rey Golingan’s gym in General Santos City but there are just too many distractions," said Salud. "There is still no consistency and continuity in his training because he just can’t turn down invitations from friends, relatives and associates. Then there are endorsement contracts and other business opportunities to attend to. You can’t really blame Manny because he wants to please as many people as he can."
But Salud assured that once Pacquiao hits the Wild Card Gym, it’ll be all work and no more play.
"One thing about Manny, once he sets his mind to training hard, nothing can stop him and that’s exactly what will happen," said Salud. "He has eight weeks to prepare for Morales and I think that’s enough time."