Mexican Pride: Let us settle the score

WBC featherweight champion Erik Morales has something to prove this Saturday night when he steps into the ring opposite Marco Antonio Barrera.

Both fighters officially weighed in today at 126 pounds. With all the preparation behind them now, the only thing left to do is fight. And fight they will.

Morales beat Barrera in their first encounter by split decision. In a battle labeled "Fight of the Year" by Ring Magazine. Two judges awarded Morales the victory with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 while the third judge gave Barrera the nod with a score of 114-113. As the scores indicate, the fight was close and a battle where neither fighter would accept defeat. Morales officially won the 1st fight while Barrera never acknowledged defeat and till this day maintains he won the fight.

So why is it Morales has something to prove in the rematch fight?

Immediately after the announcement was made awarding the fight to Morales, the outcry of robbery and dishonest scoring started to echo. Stories were published indicating the victory was awarded to the wrong fighter further fueling and deepening the hatred Barrera felt against Morales.

The truth to the matter is, if the fight was that great even being labeled the fight of the year, how can either fighter be robbed? How can you possibly claim dishonest judging?

Well tomorrow night Barrera will get his chance to set the record straight and Morales can prove to the world the outcome of first fight was genuine.

This is one fight you won't want to miss. Both fighters have a genuine dislike for each other. Both fighters fighting for the pride of Mexico. One fighter growing up on the streets of Tijuana, while the other nowhere near the line of poverty. There will be no quitting in this fight.

Tickets are priced at $700, $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 and can be purchased though any MGM Grand ticket outlet. Tickets are sold at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations and can be charged by phone with a major credit card by calling 702.474.4000.