Who wins Morales-Garcia? The experts decide - Next

Keith Idec, The Record/BoxingScene.com

Erik Morales UD 12 Danny Garcia: I like Eric Morales to win by unanimous decision. Danny Garcia looked solid in scoring the biggest win of his career against Kendall Holt.

But a replenished Morales has enough left and too much experience for this much younger, hungry challenger.

Record: 0-0

Kevin Iole, Yahaoo!Sports

Danny Garcia TKO9 Erik Morales: I have nothing but respect for Erik Morales, and he's one of the great warriors of his time. But he's the naturally smaller man and he's near the end of his career.

I think Danny Garcia's work rate and power will be the difference. It's a good fight, but I say Garcia is too busy and too strong and pulls out a TKO win.

Record: 3-1

Amir Khan, former two-belt junior welterweight beltholder

Erik Morales KO 9 Danny Garcia: I think that Erik Morales is going to win that fight. Maybe it could go the distance, or maybe an eighth or ninth-round knockout, because he's more experienced and I think that he'll break down Danny Garcia.

Morales is the more experienced guy in that fight. I know that Garcia has the youth behind him, but I think that Morales is definitely smarter after seeing what Morales did to Marcos Maidana.

That's when I sort of realized that this kid has got it in him. I really think that he can knock Garcia out. Garcia is still a bit inexperienced. I think that he will do it in about round eight or round nine.

Record: 0-0

Steve Kim, Maxboxing.com

Danny Garcia W 12 Erik Morales: I like the speed and quickness of Danny Garcia to defeat Erik Morales. Morales is still effective when you stay in the pocket with him. But Garcia probably won't do that.

And he has better boxing skills than a Marcos Maidana, who for all his strength and power, is slow-footed. I've got Garcia via 12-round decision

Record: 3-0

Paulie Malignaggi, welterweight contender, former IBF junior welterweight beltholder

Danny Garcia UD 12 Erik Morales: I take Danny Garcia. Hes hungry and has been improving steadily each fight. Erik Morales is all heart, and the crowd should be in his favor.

But one of Garcia's best qualities is his ability to maintain his composure. He shows great maturity while not being overly talented. The pick here is Garcia on points -- unanimous decision over 12.

Record: 2-2

Ryan Maquiñana, BoxingScene/Comcast SportsNet

Danny Garcia W12 Erik Morales: Unlike Marcos Maidana or Pablo Cesar Cano, who were easy to find, I think Danny Garcia has what it takes to stay disciplined and not get lured into a war with Morales.

That's the type of fight that suits "El Terrible." I think Garcia's speed will be the key here, and he'll do just enough to outbox Morales to victory.

Record: 2-2

Gabriel Montoya, MaxBoxing.com, Leave-it-in-the-ring.com

Danny Garcia UD 12 Erik Morales: Danny Garcia by unanimous decision. Garcia is all wrong for Erik Morales. He went through a bit of Hell with Nate Campbell, which taught him how to handle a veteran. He used that knowledge against Kendall Holt while getting used to fighting on a pay per view stage.

Garcia did tire a bit late en route to a decision victory. He kept control, but he was ragged around the edges. If his learning curve continues, I expect him to box smart and not be greedy early on. Depending on what Morales has left, I see Garcia taking command down the stretch.

It will be boring early, heat up in the middle and then be about controlling distance and timing Morales' late charges. Texas is currently the worst commission in the world, so I expect a close fight on the cards. Maybe even some lunacy. But Garcia takes the torch from Morales on Saturday night. Wish I was going.

Record: 1-0

Chris Robinson, The Examiner.com/BoxingScene.com

Danny Garcia UD 12 Erik Morales: I really am leaning towards Danny Garcia in this fight. I had doubts with his October bout with Kendall Holt in Los Angeles, but he showed me a lot in that fight.

It's been nice to see Erik Morales have success in his comeback to the sport, but I like Garcia's youth, hunger, and toughness to be a little too much for him.

Record: 0-0

Cliff Rold, BoxingScene.com

Danny Garcia W12 Erik Morales: Danny Garcia has enough boxer in him to take advantage of the aged Erik Morales' slow feet and hands.

He should be able to jab and step around Morales and may even be able to add enough punishment for a late stoppage. As it is, I think Garcia would have to stand in front of Morales and try to war all night to have a chance to lose.  

Record: 2-2

Michael Rosenthal, Editor of THE RING

Danny Garcia UD 12 Erik Morales: This is a tough one. I hate to pick against Erik Morales, who obviously has retained enough of his ability to fight on an elite level. However, I think this is Danny Garcia's time.

I think he is a complete young fighter who has gained valuable experience in victories over veterans Nate Campbell and Kendall Holt in his last two fights. That combined with his superior quickness will allow him to outbox the great Mexican and win a close, but unanimous decision.

Record: 3-0

Ryan Songalia, RingTV.com

Danny Garcia W 12 Erik Morales: I'm going with Danny Garcia by decision. Garcia is younger, faster, stronger, and it's hard to go against that. I commend Erik Morales on a brilliant career and for making it back to this stage.

But Garcia is a stud and the kind of guy who, with the right management and guidance, can be a big-time player in this sport.

Morales gets hit a lot, which isn't new, and I expect him to get hit a lot here as well. He has a granite chin however, so I expect him to hear the final bell.

Record: 3-1

The experts favor the young lion, Danny Garcia, to overtake the aging warrior, Erik Morales, 13-5.

 

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Photo by Chris Cozzone, Fightwireimages.com

Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Photo by Dave Londres, Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

Photo by Chris Cozzone, Fightwireimages.com

 

Lem Satterfield can be reached at lemuel.satterfield@gmail.com