By Ryan Burton

 

On Saturday evening at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Erik Morales became the first Mexican to win world titles in four weight divisions when he defeated Pablo Cesar Cano via a 10th round knockout.  Morales had been training to face Lucas Matthysse when the tough Argentinean puncher came down with an illness and had to pull out of the fight. Morales said the opponent change was part of the reason that the fight with the then undefeated Cano was tougher than expected. 

"We were training for Matthysse and then we found out that he got sick and couldn't fight.  We really didn't know anything about Cano.  I had to figure him out in the ring," said Morales.

 

Cano was ranked #12 by the WBC and was virtually unknown to American fight fans before Saturday evening.  The Mexican fighter took the fight on short notice but put up on a spirited effort before ultimately falling short. Morales battered Cano badly in the 10th round as both of Cano's eyes were swelling shut.  Cano's corner stopped the fight after the 10th round ended.

 

Morales was very impressed by the young fighter, and invited Cano to train with him for their next fights. 

 "Cano is a good strong young fighter.  He punches hard and fought well.  I invited him to train with me in my next training camp."

 

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