Erik Morales to Face Lucas Matthysse on Mayweather vs Ortiz Undercard

Sports Illustrated reports Mexican legend Erik Morales has a new opponent in hard-hitter Lucas Matthysse to replace fellow Argentine fighter, Jorge Barrios, in a battle set for the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz.

The fight will be for the newly vacant WBC junior welterweight (140 lbs) title. Originally, the proposed match was heavily criticized by fans as Barrios is inactive and hasn't done enough to deserve such an opportunity at the 140 lb division.

Now Matthysse, whose only two losses come from disputed decisions, has finally received the chance of a lifetime.

Golden Boy Promotions (promoter of both Morales and Matthysse) CEO, Richard Schaefer, had this to say:

"

“I know a lot of people asked, ‘Does Barrios deserve a title shot?’ “I don’t think anyone has a problem with Morales. And now, with Morales fighting Matthysse, I don’t think anyone can say anything negative. This is deserving of being a title fight between two of the best 140-pounders in the world.”

"

The title was stripped from Timothy Bradley after a six-month period of inactivity, one of many decisions the public has criticized the WBC for making this year.

The WBC ranks Matthysse and Morales in their own top ten in the 140 division. This helps validate an unusual, yet interesting, title match.

Morales is said to be Khan's most likely opponent for a December fight. If Matthysse defeats Morales for the WBC 140 lb title, he'll be in line for the unification match with Khan for the IBF and WBA titles.

With the fight being on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs Victor Ortiz, one of the biggest fights of the year, the exposure will surely help Matthysse on his path to glory, win or lose.

Also, the fight seems to reflect the promotional name of the event, "Star Power." Mayweather is a 34-year-old star facing a 24-year-old hungry and powerful warrior in Ortiz. 34-year-old Morales is a star facing a 28-year-old hungry and powerful Matthysse.

The Stars of Mayweather and Morales face the Power of younger foes, Ortiz and Matthysse.

The boxing gods smile upon us.

Check out my website, JustinDavidTate.com

Follow me on Facebook.

Follow me on  Twitter.

Subscribe to my YouTube.