Turmoil in Morales’ camp?

Is everything as rosy as Erik Morales appears to show in training for Manny Pacquiao in their epic rematch at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Jan. 21?

There are two major differences that Morales is coping with in training camp. First, the change in environment from the Otomi mountains, where he has trained the last eight years, to the less hilly Queretero terrain. And second, the switch in trainers from his father Jose to newly-hired Jose Luis Lopez, Sr.

The word from Morales’ camp is he is adjusting smoothly to the changes and things couldn’t be rosier.

But Morales, 29, has struggled to shed off pounds in his last few superfeatherweight bouts and is likely battling to make the 130-pound limit again. In contrast, Pacquiao, 27, should easily make the weight.

In losing to Zahir Raheem last September, Morales tipped the scales at 134 pounds–the most he has weighed for a fight since turning pro at 123 pounds in 1993. Pacquiao made his pro debut at 106 pounds in 1995.

Although they may both hit 130 pounds at the weigh-in the day before the fight, Morales will probably climb into the ring with a distinct weight advantage over Pacquiao because he is naturally bigger in physical make-up.

The factor of dehydration will be critical if Morales drastically reduces weight to make the limit. Dehydration is a cause for a fighter’s vulnerability to head injuries because it leads to the draining of fluids that protect the brain membrane.

To complicate matters, Morales walked down the aisle to marry his second wife, fashion model Sandra Mora, last Oct. 1 and a source said they went to Europe for their honeymoon. Mora is expected to give birth to their first child next month. Morales has three children with first wife America whom he divorced because she wouldn’t support his career as a fighter.

Whether the divorce, the separation from his three children and the merry-making that followed his marriage to Mora will adversely affect Morales’ physical and mental condition remains to be seen.

A sign of turmoil in Morales’ camp emerged when his father Jose publicly expressed disgust on his termination as trainer. Morales’ father was fired after the setback to Raheem. He was obviously blamed for the defeat, only the third in Morales’ career. Morales had previously lost twice to Marco Antonio Barrera on points.

Morales’ father accused promoter Fernando Beltran, who is linked to Top Rank boss Bob Arum, for orchestrating his exit.

’The problem is not in the ring, it’s outside," said Morales’ father, quoted by Salvador Acevedo in fightbeat.com. ’They have convinced my son into believing he is invincible and then he relaxes way too much. Those things can ruin him. But it’s been a while now since he does not listen to me."

Acevedo said Morales’ father is "understandably discontent and disillusioned."

"I just hope Jose Luis takes advantage of the opportunity," continued Morales’ father, known as Olivaritos during his fighting days. "Due to my son’s experience, I feel he can beat Pacquiao once again. But if Erik continues doing things this way with those type of people, it could result in the fourth loss of his career."

Lopez, 57, is called the Maestro and took his son Jose Luis, Jr. to the World Boxing Organization welterweight title in 1996. His son was foiled in two attempts to wrest the World Boxing Association welterweight crown in 1997 and 1998.

"I am very comfortable with Morales," said Lopez, quoted by Acevedo. "He is disciplined and a good listener and I like the results that come when you have good conduct. I realize my continuance with the team will depend on the results against Pacquiao."

Morales assured fans his training is proceeding without hitches. "I am currently training with serenity and discipline," he said. "I feel I am doing a good job."