Erik "El Terrible" Morales has already begun his training camp at the Otomi Ceremonial Center for his upcoming fight on December 18 at the Caliente Stadium in Tijuana. The adversary will be Argentine former world champion Jorge "The Hyena" Barrios, who, according to Jose Morales, Erik's father and coach - "will be a strong opponent." Also joining Team Morales is coach Raul Robles and former world champon Manuel "Manteca" Medina. They are expecting a war with Barrios.

"Erik started his training at the gym in Tijuana. The morning runs go for an average of 40 minutes and evening full of 10 to 12 rounds on the mitts," said Jose Morales. "Regarding the situation of the weight, it will be no problem. Erik is taking care of himself and we won't walk away from the agreed weight (138 pounds)."

Barrios is a former WBO world champion at 130-pounds. Morales and his team are taking him very seriously.

"He always comes forward and he is brave, but we'll get sparring partners with the characteristics of 'Hyena'. Without a doubt he is a good fighter. We must avoid the right hand. His shots with that hand are very strong. Erik must move to the side to counter them. The Argentine is a strong fighter," Jose Morales said.

"Erik has faced fighters younger than himself, who were former world champions, with good records. The fight in Tijuana is no exception, because Barrios (50-4-1, 35 KOs) is the same age, has the same numbers as Érik (50-6, 35 KOs), but he hasn't won the same amount of world titles that my son has. I have no doubt that it will be an even battle."

"For Érik it's going to be a good challenge, a strong enough challenge. But that gives me pleasure and pride to make a fight with credibility because the fights on TV have been mismatches and that makes fans walk away from boxing."