Argentine fighter Maidana finds strength in muse

Marcos Maidana prays before he enters the ring, as most boxers do, but his spiritual guidance doesn't take place at church.

Instead, he visits the shrine of "Gauchito Gil" before his fights.

Maidana, who faces Mexican legend Erik Morales on Saturday for the vacant WBA and WBO interim junior welterweight titles at the MGM Grand Garden, said Gil is a popular cultural urban legend in his native Argentina.

"My mother took me when I was a young boy," Maidana said through a translator. "I've been going ever since.

"It's all about faith. Everything I ask for, he provides for me."

Gauchito Gil, a farmworker turned soldier, was killed by police during Argentina's civil war in 1878. Legend has it that following his death, the policeman who killed Gil had a son who was ill and the policeman prayed to Gil to help heal his son.

The boy survived, and the policeman spread the word about Gil. Over time, Gil became a folk hero, a saint, if you will, in Argentina.

Maidana said there are many shrines to Gil, and on the anniversary of his death, Jan. 8, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the shrines to pay homage to him. One such shrine is in Maidana's hometown of San Margarita Sante Fe.

"I visit him every month," Maidana said. "I will bring him my robe, my trunks, my gloves as offerings, and in return I ask him for protection and good health when I fight."

Maidana (29-2, 27 knockouts) is not the only Argentine athlete who is a follower of Gauchito Gil. Many members of the country's national soccer team, past and present, are disciples. Diego Maradona was known to leave his cleats at the shrine when he was playing.

Gil's guidance wasn't able to help Maidana in his last fight, a 12-round loss by decision to Amir Khan on Dec. 11 at Mandalay Bay. Maidana appeared on his way to victory in the 10th round when he rocked Khan with several hard shots. But Khan held on to retain the WBA junior welterweight belt.

Maidana will be facing a former three-time world champion in Morales, who is in a comeback after retiring in 2007. Maidana said he respects what Morales (51-6, 35 KOs) has accomplished during his Hall of Fame career but that the limelight now belongs to him.

"I know I am stronger than him," said Maidana, a minus-700 betting favorite. "I've watched his last three fights, and he's not in his prime anymore. I'm in my prime, and I think that is why I will win this fight."

Maidana said he has gotten over the disappointment of losing to Khan and is confident he will get a fair shake from referee Tony Weeks on Saturday. Maidana was critical of referee Joe Cortez in the loss to Khan, claiming Cortez would not let him fight inside.

Maidana's new trainer, Rudy Perez, has made some adjustments to the fighter's technique, but Maidana's trademark power is one area the trainer has left alone. And Maidana said he will not go away from his strength.

"I'm going to come out throwing punches, and if he can withstand it, great," Maidana said. "If he can't, then good night."

Win or lose, Gauchito Gil can expect a visit from Maidana upon his return to Argentina next week.

■ NOTES -- Today's weigh-in at the MGM Grand Garden is open to the public. Doors will open at 1 p.m., with the main event fighters expected on the scales about 2:30. Saturday's card is being televised on HBO Pay Per View with the price of $44.95.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter @stevecarprj.