Garcia has trained Duarte (30-2-1, 23 KOs) for his last four fights, all wins, and linked up with Fierro (23-4-2, 18 KOs) following his unanimous decision loss to Isaac Cruz in a war in February of last year.

Looking to gain an extra edge for a rematch with Cruz five months later, Fierro hired Garcia but was forced to pull out of the fight on the day of the weigh-in because of a botched weight cut.

Matters got even worse for Fierro when he finally made it to the ring for a tune-up this past October in Mexico, with Garcia in his corner, only to be disqualified for kicking opponent Abraham Cordero.

Then on Friday, Fierro fumbled again when he was 3.4 pounds overweight for his 140-pound fight. Duarte made weight at 139.8 pounds. The fight will continue, albeit with what appears to be an unfit Fierro.

“This is the first time I've ever dealt with anything like this, immediately going against a guy I was training,” Garcia told The Ring before the weigh-in.

“Angel and I were preparing to get ready for another fight in Mexico. He had Visa issues, so we were going to meet him in Tijuana a couple of days a week to train. Then he called me to let me know that he got offered a fight against Duarte, and told me that he couldn't refuse the opportunity.”

Garcia understood the situation and advised Fierro to take the fight, which is scheduled for 12 rounds.

Although Duarte and Fierro never sparred, they trained alongside each other last summer at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Moreno Valley, California.

“I told him that we're going to be in opposite corners, but prepare yourself right and be ready,” said Garcia. “He's skillful, has heart and should put up a great fight.”

Duarte couldn’t stomach seeing another fight get scrapped, especially after his 140-pound IBF title fight against Richardson Hitchins on February 21 was canceled the day they were supposed to fight after Hitchins fell ill.

Despite another Fierro debacle, the all-Mexican matchup should be a barnburner on a Cinco de Mayo weekend card headlined by the bout between David Benavidez and Gilberto Ramirez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“It's going to be an action-packed fight as part of a huge event,” said Garcia. “The fight can go a few rounds or the distance, but I believe it ends in a knockout. They both have the heart, the chin, and tremendous power. The fans are going to enjoy the fight.”