 Promoter Bob Arum:
"This is the way guys should fight!"
Morales vs. Hernandez Postfight report by
Francisco Salazar
Photos by
Chris Cozzone
If anyone was watching the Erik Morales-Carlos Hernandez Super Featherweight "Unification" bout, then they would see Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum's proclamation about this fight as an understatement.
"This is the way guys should fight!"
Indeed, 8,611 fans in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas and thousands watching on pay-per-view can attest to Bob Arum's statements.
Both fighters had nothing but admiration and respect for each other at the post-fight press conference.
Before he spoke, Carlos Hernandez got caught up in the moment and began to tear up at the podium. After receiving deserving applause from the people and the media, he was just as classy as he has been throughout his career.
"I congratulate Erik on a great fight," said Hernandez, after being consoled by his lovely wife and manager, Veronica. "I'm disappointed that I didn't win this fight, but I'm happy that I gave more than 100% in this fight."
"This was an opportunity of a lifetime for me," continued Hernandez, who has lived in Southern California for most of his life, but is wildly popular in El Salvador. "I admire Erik. He has fought against the best in the world."
Although the scores did not represent the hearts that were shown by both fighters, Hernandez believes he has proven himself to be a great fighter who can handle his own on any given night.
"I hope to prove that I have a big heart and I can hang in with anyone. I don't go down."
Morales, who now owns the WBC and IBF Super Featherweight titles, agrees with Hernandez.
"Carlos is a gentleman inside the ring and out. He has a big heart inside the ring as well. I knew that he was the type of fighter who comes forward." Both Morales and Hernandez shared an embrace before the 12th round began.
"We are both gentlemen," said Morales, who now improves to 47-1, 34 KO's as Hernandez drops to 40-4-1, 24 KO's. "I do not think there is a problem with that."
Bob Arum announced that Morales' next potential bout will be on a Pay-Per-View extravaganza in November in Las Vegas. For Hernandez, a potential fight with contender Jesus Chavez is on the horizon.
IBF Bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez hopes for bigger fights down the horizon. Marquez, is coming off a knockout victory over Heriberto Ruiz, is also said to be featured on the November pay-per-view.
"I didn't expect this knockout," said Marquez, who improves to 32-3, 29 KO's. "I know I will need to prepare myself better for my next fight. It does not matter who the next possible opponent is."
After defeating Jason Smith in a four round special attraction, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. hopes to fight four more times this year.
"I have no amateur experience," said Chavez, who improves to 10-0, 5 KO's and still 18 years old. "I have to take my time with each fight. I am still learning and there are lots of improvements to do in all facets of my fight game.
Overall, Arum was pleased with the turnout and the fight card. He hopes all fights could be like that of Morales-Hernandez.
"This fight was reminiscent of the fights of the 80's," said Arum, who stated that the Top Rank card probably did better pay-per-view numbers than the Mike Tyson-Danny Williams show in Louisville, KY on Friday night. "This was a throw-back fight that did not have a lot of boxing, but a lot of action for the fans to enjoy."
Indeed, many people will talk about this fight as a possible candidate for fight of the year. Two warriors. Two nations. Two champions. One came out a winner in Morales and the other showed true grit to be respected by all in Hernandez.
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