Garcia Wins Unanimous Decision Over Morales

By: Frank Rivera

Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Danny Garcia (23-0, 14 KO’s) faced the biggest test of his young career, when he took on the experienced and battled tested Eric Morales (52-8, 36 KO’s). Garcia was not the only one who would be tested but Morales as well, to see if the legend still had what it takes to continue on with his career in boxing.

The confident Garcia fought a cautious fight, showing plenty of respect for Morales. The first two rounds were a feeling out process for both fighters, more so for the young undefeated contender Garcia. Morales was able to establish his jab early and land it at will, while Garcia used his speed to counter Morales. In the third round, Garcia seemed to have found his comfort zone and became to launch his offensive attack. He was connecting with his jab that was followed up by a series of combinations that hurt Morales late in the round.

The middle rounds were close as they could have gone to either fighter, but as the fight entered the second half, Garcia was able to outwork the legend. He started to work Morales body as he would force him into the ropes, but never becoming reckless when Morales would play possum, trying to lure Garcia into a slug-fest. Instead the young fighter would back away and throw another set of combinations and a hard right hand.

As the fight entered the championship rounds, Garcia’s bodywork began to show their affects on Morales. He started to look tired as Garcia began to land the right hand more frequently, along with his jabs and hard right hands. In the eleventh round, Garcia threw a set of combinations that hurt Morales, but it was a right hook that sent the legend to the canvas and take a standing eight count.

Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Morales fought like a true warrior and a champion does, never giving up regardless of how tired he was. He gave the Garcia a tough fight, testing his will and heart as the fight went on. Despite what the scorecards may read, the fight was close going into the eleventh round, but after the knockdown Garcia had full control of the fight and won by unanimous decision 118-109, 117-110, and 116-112.

Eric Morales has plenty of thinking to do as far as his continuing his career in boxing. He also had a test to pass, as age is quickly catching up to the Mexican legend, who is 35. His many battles with Barrera and Pacquiao seem to be catching up. Here is Morales comment after his fight with Garcia:

Garcia fought Morales very carefully, showing the former four division champion plenty of respect, something many young fighters forget to do. We have seen young fighters crack under pressure or become inpatients against experienced fighters like Morales. They start to show their frustration when things do not go their way and begin to make mental mistakes, they are unable to make the proper adjustments when needed, but Garcia showed none of that.

Garcia showed that he could be very patient and be able to adjusted when he needs to make adjustments. He never appeared to get frustrated when Morales was able to overcome his attacks. He did not get over excited when Morales appeared to be hurt, as it appeared that Morales was playing possum. Garcia listened to his corner’s instruction and followed the plan they were telling him to follow, because he listened to his corner, he was able to become the new WBC junior welterweight champion and the first Latino from Philadelphia to become world champion.