Eric Morel edges a bloody good Gerry Penalosa!

Morrel with controversial win

Former world champion Eric Morel captured the interim WBO bantamweight title with a twelve round spilt-decision over a relentless Gerry Penalosa moments ago on pay-per-view at the Las Vegas Hilton. At the opening bell Morel looked to stick and move while Penalosa took on the role of the aggressor.

The early edge went to the Puerto Rican as he appeared a bit more active but the veteran Penalosa was really sitting down on his punches when he was able to land them. The fighters appeared to trade rounds through the middle of the fight.

In Round 6 two accidental clashes of heads left Penalosa with two separate cuts which seemed to bring out a sense of urgency in him. Morel continued to box and move but Penalosa began to catch up with him a bit more often. With the bleeding clearly bothering him, the ‘Fearless’ Pinoy fighter continued to press the action as Morel looked to jab and retreat.

Penalosa used his pressure very effectively and continued walking Morel down through the championship rounds. Summoning an extra gear late in the fight Penalosa really ended the bout strong but found himself on the wrong end of a split decision.

Two judges had Morel ahead 116-112 and 115-113 while Penalosa was ahead 115-113 on the third and final card. FightFan.com had the bout scored 115-113 for Penalosa.

Source: Ace Freeman  | FightFan.com