Title fight still on for Philly fighter Danny Garcia despite opponent's positive drug test

Despite his opponent's positive test for a banned substance, Juniata Park's Danny Garcia will defend his unified light-welterweight title on Saturday night in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Erik Morales, of Mexico, failed a drug test this week, according to Golden Boy Promotions. A spokesperson for the promotion company on Friday morning said that the fight, initially in jeopardy, "is as is."

The fight, to be televised on Showtime, is the main event of a card featuring four world title bouts at the Barclays Center. It's the first world title match in Brooklyn since 1931, when "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom decisioned Jimmy Slattery at Ebbets Field for the light-heavyweight championship.

Morales failed a test administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency but has sworn to Golden Boy that he is clean. The results of "B" sample of the test won't be known until after the fight.

Because of that, there is a possibility that Garcia's unified belts will be returned to him no matter the outcome of the fight.

According to Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Morales tested positive for Clenbuterol, a weight-loss aid. It is not an anabolic steroid.

In their first meeting, Morales failed to make weight and vacated his WBC title before losing to Garcia.

In 2010, five members of the Mexican national soccer team were suspended by FIFA after testing positive for Clenbuterol. The suspension was later overturned after it was discovered that the drug had come from contaminated beef.

Morales prepared for this fight by holding his training camp in Temoaya, Mexico.

Joining Garcia on the card is West Philadelphia's Steve Upsher Chambers. The 27-year-old welterweight meets Luis Collazo of New York City.

Chambers (24-1-1, 6 KOs) has won 13 straight fights and is the brother of heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers.

This is Garcia's first fight on the East Coast since a 2010 fourth-round knockout at South Philadelphia's Asylum Arena. It's also his first fight in New York City, a place that has defined the careers of some of Philadelphia's past greats.

In 1971, Joe Frazier used his signature left hook to put Muhammad Ali on his back at Madison Square Garden en route to defending his heavyweight title with a unanimous decision. Frazier fought at Madison Square Garden 10 times, losing just once - in a 1974 unanimous decision to Ali.

Bernard Hopkins, who arrived in Brooklyn on Thursday, cemented his legacy with a stunning technical knockout of Felix Trinidad at Madison Square Garden less than three weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"I'm always going to have something to prove," said Garcia. "I'm a Philly fighter, we never really get the respect."

In the first fight against Morales, Garcia fought with caution, said the fighter's father and trainer, Angel Garcia, because it was his son's first title shot, and Morales is a legend.

After fighting a careful 10 rounds, Danny Garcia let his guard down a bit in the 11th, Angel Garcia said.

He pointed to Morales' overhand right that caught Garcia just above the bridge of the nose. Later in the round, a bloodied Garcia sent Morales to the mat with an uppercut.

Danny Garcia said his caution was a result of him showing Morales respect. His father disagreed and said it was caused by focus to stay ahead on the scorecard.

"This time Danny needs to bring his youth to him," said Angel Garcia. "Danny can't sit there and watch. Danny needs to fight Danny's fight."