Just eleven fights into his pro career super bantamweight prospect Roman Morales already has much of the boxing world buzzing about his prospects as an eventual world title contender and champion. This coming Friday at the Tulare County Fairgrounds in Tulare, California, the fighting pride of nearby San Ardo headlines against the always tough Jonathan Alcantara in an eight-round main event that affords Morales’ supportive fan base the chance to see their rising star perform in the flesh.
In Alcantara (6-7-2, 1 KO) of Novato, California, Morales’ team are up against a fighter they are very familiar with, even though the San Ardo product has never fought him before. “It was already three times we had this fight scheduled,” explains Tapia, who studies every one of Morales’ opponents on film. “We tried to get the fight set up, but now it is going to happen. He is ready, he signed the contract. I know it will be a good fight. His record is not very good, but he is very tough. He is from El Salvador and is going to keep coming forward. So it will be a good fight.”
Morales has been given the scouting report on Alcantara and sounds ready for anything the offensive-minded fighter has to offer. “I know he throws a lot of wild punches and he always comes forward,” says Morales. “He is supposed to be a strong kid. I am just ready to go and to box him and show everyone what I got.” Within the short amount of time Morales has been professional the San Ardo native has shown immense improvement in several areas. Despite the success, Morales’ trainer Tapia knows there is a long road ahead of them. “He has sparred with the top pros and they have given us good rounds and a lot of experience,” explains Tapia. With that, he has improved on many things.
He knows how to back out, move around, get off the ropes. He has learned, little by little, but in boxing you are never finished. So he keeps learning.” Eleven fights in, Team Morales looks to be clicking on all cylinders. “I think I am standing pretty good,” says Morales. “I have a good manager and a good coach. They tell me when the fights are and I just keep training hard.” Morales’ manager Repo Ric has a message for those ever present detractors. “Quit calling Morales’ team and getting in their ear,” demands Repo. “I am moving him smoothly and quickly and Gary Shaw is not going to make mistakes.
Since you guys couldn’t do it, don’t attempt to teach someone else how to do it.” While Morales cannot look past Alcantara, two names escaped the youngster’s lips after his most recent victory. “Jonathan Arrellano and Randy Caballero, I know those would be really good fights for me later on. I look forward to those fights,” said Morales. Should Morales move past Alcantara safely on Friday, Arrellano looms as his September opponent back on Showtime. That would leave one name on the hit list.
“Randy, we waiting on you!” exclaims Repo Ric.
Tickets to Friday’s event, promoted by One World Promotions, are available online at TulareFair.org or by calling 559-686-4707.
