WBC Lightweight Title holder David Diaz retained his Lightweight title by defeating the legendary Erik Morales by Unanimous Decision. Diaz needed a late rounds surge to pull off the win as Morales was well ahead on the scorecards in the first half of the bout. Sportsbook.com had both fighters listed at -115 boxing odds.
Diaz came out bombing early trying to smother Morales in the first round only to be caught by a sharp right hand counter by Morales that sent Diaz to the canvas. In rounds 2 through six their were some excellent exchanges that Morales was usually getting the better of.
By the end of round six Diaz’s right eye was very swollen. In rounds seven and eight Diaz started battering Morales’s body with furious pressure that was slowing down the former 3 division champ.
The late rounds were a dogfight with both men showing great heart, giving the crowd a terrific fight. Diaz proved to be the fresher fighter down the stretch as he pursued relentlessly until the final bell.
”David Diaz is a good all-around boxer. He really doesn’t do anything spectacular but he knows how to handle himself like a consummate pro,” stated Point-Spreads.com Boxing Expert Brad Marchetti prior to the bout. Marchetti advised his readers to wager 2 units on Diaz.
Final scores read: 116-111, 116-110 and 115-112 all for Diaz. Erik Morales announced afterwards that this was probably his last fight.
