Maidana, who lost to WBA World Light-Welterweight champion Amir Khan in his previous fight, came out firing off the gates, battering Morales with crisp hits to the face that left the five-time world champion’s right eye shut after only two rounds. The 34-year-old Morales, relying on his experience and unquestionable heart, came back in the middle rounds, but still fell short in his bid to return to the top of the boxing world.
In the end, Maidana’s early assault proved enough to snatch the victory, winning 116-112 in two judges’ scorecards. The third judge saw the fight even at 114 to give the 27-year-old Maidana the majority decision victory. After the fight, Maidana acknowledged the difficulty of facing Morales, who had won his first three fights since coming out of retirement last year. “This was my toughest fight yet,” the Argentine fighter said.”The fight was close but I came on strong in the end and feel I won the fight.”
