Maidana outlasts Morales as Adamek eyes Klitschko bout
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Marcos Maidana of Argentina outpointed Mexico's five-time world champion Erik Morales on Saturday night to win the vacant WBA interim super lightweight title in Las Vegas.
Two judges scored the bout 116-112 for Maidana (30-2) and the other had it even at 114.
"This was my toughest fight yet," Maidana said. "But I knew it would be difficult so I trained hard and was prepared. The fight was close but I came on strong in the end and feel I won the fight."
Maidana came out strong, dominating the older, slower Morales (51-7) in the first few rounds. By the end of the second round Morales' right eye was swollen shut.
Morales, a heavy underdog, appeared to be far past his prime in the early rounds, but was able to rally in the middle rounds to keep the fight close.
"He may have won a close fight but it wasn't a clean win for him," Morales said. "I thought I landed the better punches. I thought I won. I know I still had speed and velocity, but more importantly I had heart."
Winning scores
In the co-main event, Robert Guerrero unanimously outpointed Michael Katsidis to take the vacant WBA and WBO interim lightweight titles. Guerrero, the former IBF featherweight and super-featherweight champion, had winning scores of 117-108, 118-106, 118-107 from the judges in the 12-round bout.
In Newark, New Jersey, top heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek of Poland took a step toward a championship showdown with one of the Klitschko brothers, unanimously outpointing Ireland's Kevin McBride on Saturday.
Adamek (44-1 with 28 knockouts) dominated from the outset, using his speed to outscore and outpunch his opponent, winning every round on all three judges' scorecards.
"When I moved to heavyweight, my dream was to get to fight for the heavyweight championship," Adamek said. "Now, I've made it. I'll get that chance. I want that chance. This is my chance and I'm ready."
McBride (35-9-1), who lives in the United States, entered the ring at a whopping 129 kilograms, 32kg heavier than Adamek.
McBride, who sent former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson into retirement in 2005, appeared out of shape and was sloppy for the entire fight, resorting to tactics such as pushing Adamek's head down, throwing rabbit punches and even stepping on Adamek's foot.
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