Tijuana’s own Erik “Terrible” Morales became the first Mexican born fighter to capture four authentic world title in as many divisions when he stopped Pablo Cesar “Demoledor” Cano of Mexico City in the tenth round of a scheduled twelve for the vacant WBC super lightweight title.
Photo by Box Latino
In the semi main event of the Las Vegas portion of “Star Power” presented by Golden Boy Promotions this past Saturday, September 17th, at the MGM Grand Arena, Morales (52-7, 32KOs) imposed his experience and skill to capture the coveted green and gold strap.
The action began at the opening bell as Morales went after the late sub Cano (22-1-1, 17KOs) and scored with combinations to the head with a left hook to the chin being the best punch of the series. By the fourth round, Cano’s face began to show the results of Morales’ punches as both eyes began to swell and blood began to trickle from his nostrils. The thirty-five year old Morales was not left unscathed as an earlier exchange produced a cut over the left eye of the Tijuana fighter.
While the rounds were close in the middle of the bout, by the end, it was all Morales as he swept the 8th, 9th and 10th rounds on two of the three cards as he administed a severe beating on the 21-year-old Cano. At the end of the tenth, Cano’s corner did not let him continue and in turn awarding Morales with the historic win.
I want to first say that the performance was really good from Morales as evidenced by the pretty awful beating that Cano took. Great to see Erik still be able to perform at a decent level, he was able to show the experience of his years in the ring, like he predicted he would.
Honestly though the title that he won is a complete farce. It isn’t his fault that the WBC wanted to sanction the bout and give him a belt, who in their right mind would refuse it? I know I wouldn’t. The fact remains that the title is bogus, and not worthy of the performance of Morales and the many other legitimate titles that this future hall of famer has won.
You make a good point. It isn’t Morales fault the way the WBC got him to win the title but in a way also he can refuse to fight for it knowing that it is not against a legitimate opponent. Like you said, why would he do that? Television and especially HBO usually only has bouts on their airwaves when they involve a belt so the green and gold belt that Morales now has insures him a bigger pay day in his next fight. Thanks for commenting!