Erik Morales has described his next opponent Willie Limond as a stepping stone but the Glasgow fighter insists that it could be the other way around as he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career against the Mexican legend. Limond is a huge underdog to win the WBC diamond belt, but after a long training camp he is ready to step into the ring against one of his heroes.

“Preparation has gone brilliant. I’ve been training for nine weeks now. I’m looking forward to the big fight and I’ve trained really hard and I feel good,” said the 31-year-old.

As for being another notch in the victory count for Morales, Limond dismissed any such idea and has ambitions for his own future.

“For him to say that I’m a stepping stone for him…I can turn that round and say the exact same thing, he’s a stepping stone for me,” he said. “But I’m just treating this fight as my next fight, not looking beyond it, and hopefully if I win it will open bigger doors.”

Limond, who travels to Mexico City on Friday ahead of the September 11 fight, admits he is a fan of Morales but is not ready to lie down to his hero.

“It’s Erik Morales, a seven-time world champion and one of my heroes so to share a ring with that guy it’s an honour,” said Limond, who has been out of action for almost a year. “It’s a dream come true but it can turn into a nightmare if I’ve not prepared right, but I have and I’m looking forward to it.”

The former Commonwealth lightweight champion is stepping up to light-welterweight for the bout which will take place at the Monumental Plaza de Toros in Mexico City – a bull ring which is being expanded to increase the capacity seating. Limond will be in hostile territory against a Mexican hero, but believes this can work to his advantage.

“It’s in a bull arena and they’ve made it bigger to fit in 56,000 people so it’ a massive night but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll relish it.”

He added: “I’m used to fighting in Glasgow where I have the crowd behind me but out there you get booed. I think it will spur me on.”

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