February 4, 2008
TOKYO, JAPAN
WBC#7/WBA#15 Japanese 140-pound champ Norio Kimura (33-5-2, 17 KOs), a durable hard-punching southpaw, has left for Mexico City today (Monday) in order to serve as a sparring partner for WBC super-feather champ Juan Manuel Marquez in his preparation for his crucial defense against Manny Macquiao on March 15. Kimura, 29, disclosed an interesting episode when he previously worked as a partner for Erik Morales prior to El Terrible’s final showdown with Pacman.
Kimura has a habit to celebrate his friend with both gloves extended to the face to show his affinity with him. He did it to Morales in the gym. The Mexican superstar sensed that his ear drums might burst, so became terribly furious against the Japanese sparring partner. Morales kicked and kicked Kimura in anger. Why didn’t he punch the Japanese with his fists? Just to protect his hands before his important Pacquiao fight. Kimura recalled the incident, “Morales misunderstood my affectionate act.” Since then, Morales seldom used Kimura in sparring sessions as El Terrible had a strong dislike for him. Kimura, never do it again to Juan Manuel Marquez this time in Mexico. If you do so, you’ll be kicked again by Marquez.
(2-4-08)